By Eshana Saha
Published Nov 16, 2024

Hindustan Times
Lifestyle

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Stag Beetle: World's Most Expensive Insect

A single stag beetle can cost up to 75 lakh, making it one of the most expensive insects in the world.

Apart from being extremely rare, these insects are also considered as symbols of good luck, bringing wealth to the owner.

The mandibles of the male stag beetle resemble a stag's antlers, and he uses them in combat to compete for mating opportunities during the breeding season.

Stag beetles are sensitive to cold temperatures and thrive in warm, tropical climates.

Adult stag beetles primarily consume sweet liquids such as tree sap and juice from rotting fruit. Larvae feed on dead wood.

According to the Natural History Museum in London, stag beetles weigh between 2 and 6 grams and live for an average of 3 to 7 years.

As a key component of forest ecosystems, these insects contribute significantly to decomposition, helping with nutrient cycling and supporting forest health.

Their rarity, medicinal value, and symbolic significance in various cultures have elevated their status and market value.