Lamprima aurata, the golden stag beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Lucanidae. In Tasmania, this species is referred to by the "common name" of Christmas beetle, a name that is normally used for beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, genus Anoplognathus.[1]
This beetle has an oval, shiny body.[2] It measures between 15 and 25 mm in length. It is fairly variable in coloration, so it has been given many names by various authors.[3] The colour of the males is typically metallic golden green or yellow with colorful legs, while females may be blue, blue-green or dull brown. Females are smaller than the males, and males have larger mandibles prolonged forwards used for fighting. [4][2]
L. aurata is native to Australia and can be found in Tasmania—mainly Victoria—and south-eastern mainland Australia in dry sclerophyll forests.[2]
Of the five species in the genus Lamprima, only two occur on the Australian mainland: L. aurata and the closely related L. imberbis, which live in northeastern New South Wales.[3]
The larvae are sapro-xylophagous and will spend two years feeding on rotting logs.[1][2] Adults are free-flying and will move about on the ground during the day and drink the nectar of flowers, especially eucalypts.[2] Males can be found on rotting logs defending their territory.[2]
Golden stag larva
Illustration of male by Des Helmore
Lamprima aurata, the golden stag beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Lucanidae. In Tasmania, this species is referred to by the "common name" of Christmas beetle, a name that is normally used for beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, genus Anoplognathus.
