Survey spectacular stag beetles this summer. Volunteers needed to record sightings of the UK’s biggest land beetle - PTES

The British public is being asked to keep an eye out for spectacular stag beetles this summer and record any sightings online, as part of a wildlife charity’s national Great Stag Hunt survey.

The Great Stag Hunt, run by People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), has been running for over 25 years. Native stag beetles – with the males’ iconic antler-like jaws – have sadly become extinct in parts of in Britain and Europe, where they used to live. Data from the Great Stag Hunt, collected since 1998, is vital for conservationists to understand where stag beetles remain, where they’re no longer living and what the impact of climate change might be on populations.

Taking part is easy: people in all corners of England, Scotland and Wales are asked to simply look out for these impressive insects and record any sightings online. Whether you’re out on a walk, commuting, on the school run, walking your dog or heading to the pub – anyone can take part!

Stag beetles are often found in urban and suburban gardens and parks, as well as woodland edges and the wider countryside. They’re also often spotted basking on sunlit walls and warm tarmac surfaces, while their larvae (large white grubs) are found underground, among the roots of old tree stumps. Males are instantly recognisable with their antler-like jaws and are often seen flying on warm sunny evenings in search of females, which are slightly smaller and more conker-coloured.

No prior experience is needed as free online beetle ID guides are available to help volunteers recognise a stag beetle compared to other insects, such as the lesser stag beetle – the stag beetle’s smaller cousin. But if you aren’t sure what you’ve seen, submit a photo and PTES will verify your sighting.