In Season 2 of A Real Bug’s Life, viewers are taken deeper into the fascinating world of insects, uncovering stories that showcase their extraordinary behaviors, habitats, and ecological roles. One of the highlights of the season is the exploration of the elusive stag beetle, a species that captivates with its dramatic battles and intricate life cycle. In this Q&A, we speak with Michael Carr, a natural history expert whose passion for stag beetles has made him an invaluable contributor to the series. From his serendipitous collaboration with National Geographic to the scientific and cultural significance of these remarkable beetles, Carr provides an in-depth look at what makes stag beetles so extraordinary and why they deserve a spot in the spotlight.

Let’s start with some background. How did you first get involved with National Geographic?

It was actually a big surprise to me. I wasn’t trying to get involved initially. The crew, particularly Fernando, was interested in filming stag beetles for their project. They were looking for experts in the field, and multiple people pointed them in my direction. So, it was kind of a lucky break for me to be part of such a cool filming experience with my study species.

That’s amazing. Let’s step back for a moment—what got you interested in stag beetles in particular?

Honestly, I didn’t even know we had stag beetles where I grew up. I’m from Virginia, and as a kid, I had no idea they were around. Watching National Geographic, Animal Planet, and other nature documentaries, I thought stag beetles were some exotic species from tropical regions.

It wasn’t until I started working in natural history at the Smithsonian that I came across their collections and realized stag beetles were only a few miles south of where I grew up. That discovery drew me in—I was fascinated. I wondered if I could find them in my backyard. I tried setting up black lights and going on field trips to locate them. While they weren’t near my home, they were about 60 miles south, which is the northern edge of their range. From then on, I was hooked, and the fascination has only grown.

That’s a great story. What was the process like collaborating with National Geographic?

They reached out to me and asked if I could assist with fieldwork for their A Real Bug’s Life series. They had chosen a spot in Tennessee along the Holston River near Knoxville. The plan was to capture footage for a “Love in the Forest” episode, which featured both fireflies and stag beetles as parallel stories.

Luckily, I was available, though it was a hectic time since I was in the middle of a cross-country move. I ended up staying on-site in Tennessee for about a month and a half. Every day, I’d be out until 3 to 5 a.m., using black lights and other equipment to try to locate the beetles.

That brings up an obvious question—how does one go about finding stag beetles?

There are a few methods. For the shoot, I used mercury vapor lamps, which emit a wide range of light frequencies. These lights attract insects, depending on the species. I’d set up a white sheet near a forest edge with the lamp reflecting off it to spread the light and lure insects in. Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful during the shoot.

Another method is hand-collecting near stationary lights in rural areas, like those at schools or gas stations that still use older mercury vapor lights. Many places have switched to LEDs, so you need to look in areas where those older lights remain. Occasionally, you can also find stag beetles on trees exuding sap.

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Where do stag beetles naturally live and congregate?

In the U.S., they range across the southeastern and midwestern states, avoiding Florida. Historically, they were reportedly found around Washington, D.C., in the early 1900s, but they’ve been extirpated from there.

Their habitats are divided into two genetic groups—those east of the Appalachian Mountains and those westward, reaching as far as Nebraska and eastern Texas. They thrive in forested areas with decaying wood, which is essential for their life cycle.

Most of their life is spent as larvae feeding on rotting wood underground. The adults only emerge for a few months in the summer to mate and reproduce.

Can you describe their reproductive cycle?

Sure! Stag beetles go through complete metamorphosis. It starts with a small egg laid in decaying wood or soil. The egg hatches into a white grub, which molts multiple times as it grows. This larval stage lasts about two to three years, depending on the availability of nutrients.

Eventually, the larva forms a pupa, transitioning into a semi-adult beetle shape. This stage can last several months, sometimes overwintering. When environmental conditions—like soil temperature—are right, the adult beetle emerges. After hardening its exoskeleton and wings, the beetle begins flying and seeking mates.

Males use their large mandibles to fight for territory and access to females, which is one of the most striking aspects of their behavior. Females, on the other hand, dig deep into the soil—sometimes up to three meters—to lay their eggs.

That’s fascinating. What’s their relationship with humans?

Stag beetles aren’t aggressive and rarely interact with humans. They’re relatively uncommon, so many people haven’t seen them. Historically, in Europe, they were considered harbingers of death during the Middle Ages. Over time, they became symbols of transformation and strength, likely due to their metamorphosis and the males’ dramatic battles.

Here in the U.S., they’re not widely recognized. That’s why I think A Real Bug’s Life is so exciting—it’s the first time these beetles have been extensively documented on film. I hope it inspires people to appreciate insect diversity and see beetles as more than just “gross bugs.”

Thank you so much for your time and insights, Michael.

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