East Londoners asked to look out for giant stag beetles in 'hotspots' Waltham Forest and Redbridge

London Wildlife Trust is asking people to get online to report sightings of stag beetles, the giant insects known for their huge antlers.

Stag beetles are a globally endangered species and are extinct across much of the UK, but more than 1,000 recorded sightings were made across the capital last year.

Waltham Forest and Redbridge are particular hotspots for the bug, which is especially prevalent in areas bordering Epping Forest.

Mathew Frith, director of conservation at London Wildlife Trust, said: “The stag beetle is a plucky London survivor and shows how nature and wildlife continues to live alongside us, even in the midst of a huge city.

“Most people are amazed when they first see one of these stunning, super-sized beetles, especially when they realise they are harmless to us and our homes.”

A stag beetle spotted at Wood Street Station in Walthamstow (pic: Zahrah Vawda)

Spring heralds the start of stag beetle season, where bugs will emerge from nesting spots in tree stumps and logs across London.

Males of the species sport ferocious looking but harmless mandibles, which may look threatening, but are only used to wrestle other males while fighting for female attention.

The bugs grow to around 8cm in length, large enough to fill the palm of the average adult.

The decline in stag beetle numbers is attributed in part to the tidying of parks, gardens and greenspaces and the removal of tree stumps and dead wood, without which the beetles have nowhere for their larvae to grow. 

However, many London parks now deliberately leave tree stumps and large logs in place, providing a home for stag beetles and other wildlife.

Mr Frith added: “If you do see one, please visit our website and let us know. By understanding where they live in London we will be able to ensure their survival.”

To log a stag beetle sighting, or to find out more, visit: wildlondon.org.uk/stag-beetle-survey.