People's Trust for Endangered Species have launched a new project called 'Stepping Stones for Stag Beetles' and they need your help!

Stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) are Britain’s largest terrestrial beetle, named because the male’s huge jaw-like mandibles look just like a stag’s antlers. Here on the Island, we hear of occasional sightings of stag beetles - so we know they are around.

The reason they aren't seen often is because of their long life cycle - their larvae live for up to seven years in decaying wood such as log piles and tree stumps where they feed on the rotten timber. Our general tendancy to tidy up the green spaces around us can threaten these vunerable insects, as places for them to shelter are lost or become isolated, leaving fewer suitable habitats for these insects.

Find out more about stag beetles and how you can help here.

Picture: Stag beetle by Mrs Arnold