This weeks microscopy features another invert, the Golden Stag Beetle (Lamprima aurata)!
These beeltes are pretty widespread in Australia and can be found in dry sclerophyll forests of both the mainland and Tassie. They are large sexually dimorphic beetles that can be between 15-25mm long, with males usually bigger than females. This specimen is a female, which have shorter mandibles than males (who use them for battling rival males). Females are also more variable in colour than males (who are often golden-green). This is a blue morph female.
Okay, so mostly this is just a colour and texture appreciation post because come ON:
Ugh these beetles are absolutely gorgeous. Okay, now lets take a look from the side, where there's some gorgeous golden hairs:
Front leggies
Uuuugh so good. The colours on these guys are unreal. Also, I found this specimen disceased in my yard. It was the first time I've seen them here, and I REALLY hope she laid her eggs somewhere nearby before she passed. I wanna see more next year.
