The two species L. aurata and L. latreilli are often referred to together as they appear identical with colour variations. Lamprima latreillii is a metallic golden green / yellow colour.
These are a type of scarab beetle. On the mainland the males are a metallic green colour, whereas the same species in Tasmania can be burgundy, brown or green in colour.
The males have large mandibles jutting forwards which they use to fight other males. These mandibles have orange/brown hairs along the inside.
The common name of stag beetle refers to the beetles using their mandibles like male deer (stags) use their antlers.
Females are smaller than the males with smaller mandibles and their colouring is usually blue, blue/green or dull brown.
When the beetle feels threatened it will “play dead”, tucking its legs up underneath its body.
The larvae are typical “C” curl grubs.
Adult size: 35mm