NO. 014
Beetles
May/June beetle
Rounded brown body
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NO. 018
Illustration · not shown at life size
Illustration · not shown at life sizeBeetles / Insect
Stag beetle
Lucanus placidus
This local stag beetle has a chunky brown body and short, strong jaws. It can dig into the soil.
Let’s look closerLittle clues
Three things to notice.
Short, strong jaws.
Chunky dark-brown body.
Digs burrows in the soil.
Out in the world
Where to look.
Around southeastern Wisconsin
Sandy lawns and woodland edges.
When to look
At night; adults sometimes come to lights.
Look closely. Leave your tiny neighbor where you found it.
A closer look
One clue is just the start.
This local stag beetle has short jaws. Pictures of huge, antler-like jaws may show a different species.
A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.
Keep exploring
Meet the neighbors.
For curious grownups, too
Read a little further.
Original summaries, with references for deeper reading. Field notes are being checked against the supplied research.
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Artwork & downloads.
Drag a PNG image into xTool Studio, or use its download button. Images use the full-resolution files.
Relief depth PNG — prototype
Matches this front · dark lettering 0.5 mm, outline 0.1 mm at 1 mm maximum
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Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Disc backs are blank; use the single carrier QR from the print studio to open the field guide.
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