I put out the moth trap in my garden in Hemsworth last night, expecting a good catch because of the warm, humid conditions. As well as the usual moths, an interesting beetle flew into the trap.
Lesser stag beetle (Dorcus parallelipipedus)
I identified it as a male lesser stag beetle. This species needs rotting wood on which its larvae can feed. It is described as common but this is the first that I have seen in my garden.
Jaws on lesser stag beetle.
Amazing! Didn’t know we got this in Wakefield, would have been a tick for me :¬)