Antelope Beetle

Scientific Name: Dorcus parallelus

Order & Family: Order: Coleoptera; Family: Lucanidae

Size: 15 mm to 26 mm

Antelope Beetle

Natural Habitat

Woodlands and deciduous forests, often found near or inside decaying logs and stumps.

Diet & Feeding

Larvae (grubs) eat decaying wood; adults may feed on sap flows from trees or fruit.

Behavior Patterns

Night-active insects that are often attracted to artificial lights; they undergo complete metamorphosis from larvae residing in rotting wood.

Risks & Benefits

No risks to humans beyond a minor defensive pinch from the mandibles; beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that help recycle nutrients.

Identified on: 7/1/2026