The stag beetle is a large insect belonging to the Lucanidae family. Originally, they were mostly found in Europe’s Central and Western parts, living on coniferous trees. The stag beetle is also found here in Africa and is now rare in Europe. It is the most expensive insect in the world, costing about $80,000 to $150,000, depending on its size and condition.
Where Can I Sell A Stag Beetle in Nigeria?
You can sell your stag beetle through websites like InsectNet Marketplace and InsectSale. You can also sell to waiting buyers on classified ad sites like Jiji.ng and Olist.ng. Offline, you can sell to museums.
Details on Where To Sell a Stag Beetle in Nigeria
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InsectNet Marketplace
InsectNet Marketplace is a platform through which rare insects are sold and bought. Simply search the website, open an account, and read up their terms of use. However, ensure you have an insect for sale before attempting to open an account on this platform.
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InsectSale
InsectSale is another platform through which insects can be traded, the only exception being they do more selling than buying. Search “InsectSale” on Google, and explore the site. You will be lucky to get your insect sold on this platform.
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Museums
Stag beetles are considered endangered; you can even categorize them as a specie near extinction. This is why the necessary authorities are willing to pay huge sums if any is found. Museums also buy rare insects, and they would certainly pay generously for a stag beetle.
If you are based in the United States, you can sell your stag beetle for as high as $80,000. If you are here in Nigeria, the insect can be sold for over N30 million naira. This is not just some fable, and neither is it a rumour. It is true. However, it’s been ages since a stag beetle was reportedly sold.
What is a Stag Beetle? — All You Need To Know
The stag beetle is a prized insect in Japan and in several animal museums. It has about 1,200 species and four subfamilies. The insect is native to the Mediterranean region and is scientifically called Lucanus Cervus.
The insect lives on the soil around tree plantations and spends its days mostly on the ground. When the evening comes, the males fly off the ground in search of their mates. They are mostly active at dusk and are attracted to light. You often find them walking around warm surfaces.
The stag beetles are indeed fascinating. They can grow to a length of over 12cm, but you find the adults around 8.5cm on average, which makes them the largest beetles in the world. They have a relative lifespan of 6-7 years, but some die off as early as their 2nd year.
Structure of Stag Beetles
Stag beetles have blackheads and bodies which deep brown wing cases. They have big antlers and large mandibles with wide jaws. The insect uses its oversized mandibles for courtship and wrestling with other beetles. They have six antennas for sensitivity.
The females are notably stronger than the males, with mouthparts that are visibly larger. They are mostly found underground, where they lay their eggs in cocoons. Their larvae are white and resemble a C-shaped worm.
Importance of Stag Beetles
Stag beetles are an important part of the ecosystem and are valuable to wildlife. They recycle dead wood by returning its nutrients back to the soil. They also feed birds and other smaller insects. There are also claims that they are of medicinal value and are said to produce several types of medicines.
Are Stag Beetles Harmful?
Stag beetles are not directly harmful to humans but can cause problems for gardeners. They are a common pest in Africa and constitute a nuisance to yard owners. Their larvae are found in rotting wood close to the soil. They feed on this decaying wood looking for splinters. They also feed on fungi and other wood organisms, causing white rot.
Why Are Stag Beetles Going Extinct?
The population of stag beetles in Africa is on the rise each year, but the reverse happens in Europe. It was nearly extinct in Denmark and Latvia until its reintroduction to the countries. This decline is due to the loss of woodland caused by urbanization, agricultural practices and forestry. Stag beetles are also preyed upon by cattle, foxes and crows.
Do Stag Beetles Make Thunder Happen?
Stag beetles make a strange sound that resonates like thunder to keep predators away. This sound is called stridulation, and the insect makes it by scraping one set of its body parts against another.