Stag beetleWhich can be called ‘Deer Horn Wale Bhring’ in Hindi, Lucanidae is part of the family. It is not a common worm, but one of the most precious and rare species in the world. Its specialty is its long, strong and deer -like jaws, which are found especially in male Stag Beetle.
Its more than 1200 species are found worldwide, especially in the tropical forests of Europe, Asia and America. The presence of Stag Beetle in India is found in the forests of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Western Ghats.
Speciality | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
Length | 35 to 75 mm | 30 to 50 mm |
Weight | 2 to 6 grams | 2 to 5 grams |
Lifetime | 3 to 7 years | 3 to 6 years |
The larva state of Stag Beetle lasts for 2 to 5 years, while the adult state is only a few months. The larva grows in rotten wood and it receives nutrition there. This is why it takes a lot of time and resources in its upbringing.
Jungle harvesting and climate change have put many species of Stag Beetle in crisis. It has been declared extinct in northern Europe. According to London’s ‘Natural History Museum’, its conservation is extremely important.
In Japan, Stag Beetle is reared like a pet by children and adults. There are competitions called “Beetle Fighting” for this. A rare species Dorcas Hopei It was sold in 1999 in Tokyo for $ 90,000 (about ₹ 75 lakh) – this makes Stag Beetle the most expensive.
In countries like Japan, Korea and China it is considered a symbol of “auspicious fortune”. In the folklore of Europe, it is considered a messenger of electricity and fire.
In some traditional medical practices, the organs of the Stag Beetle are used to treat diseases. Although scientific evidence is limited, its demand is strengthened.
It is extremely difficult to artificially raise this insect, as the larva phase of its life cycle lasts for many years. This is the reason why its price touches the sky.
Stag beetle is not a dangerous worm. It only contributes to keeping the environment clean by eating dead and rotten wood. It does not harm a living tree. This is why it “Nature’s Recycler” Also called.
Stag beetle is found in the north-eastern states of India and the Western Ghats, but it is not a tradition of considering it commercially to cradle or status symbol. However, due to its increasing demand abroad, it from India Illegal smuggling Cases of the cases are coming up. It is a punishable offense under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Example: In 2023, a young man was detained by the Customs Department in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, packing 7 rare Stag Beetles to send abroad.
Stag beetle is not just a worm, but symbolizes the importance, culture, and environmental balance of biodiversity. Its price to reach ₹ 75 lakhs shows that every creature in nature has its own different utility and importance. Today it is necessary that we understand such rare creatures, protect them and avoid illegal trade.