Records 2001
Records of stag beetles (Lucanus cervus) for 2001 have now been collated. The distribution pattern again confirms earlier findings (Suffolk Natural History 1998, 1999, 2000). New locations were recorded for the insect at Forward Green, Earl Stonham (J. Lawley) and Parham (G. Rae). 
Earliest and Latest Suffolk dates
Earliest previous record of a live beetle is of a male (flying) on 19 May, 1999 in Ipswich (J. Parsons). The latest live beetle, a male (crawling), was recorded at Holbrook on 6 October, 1996 (D. Walker).
In 2001, a resting live male was observed in an Ipswich garden on 6 May (D. Harper) but it is suspected that the insect had been disturbed and brought to the surface by gardening activity. The latest record for a live beetle in 2001 is 5 September at Brantham (R. Grant).
Larval habitat
Viburnum adds one more type of wood (2001) to those that stag beetle larvae have been found to inhabit in Suffolk. 43 different tree/shrub species have been reported as larval habitat/food source (14 in Suffolk), the most frequently mentioned being apple, ash, cherry and oak. Larvae were also found inhabiting a compost heap (N. Sherman, 2001).
Polythene sheeting warning
Polythene sheeting is now often used as a method of weed control in gardens, cutting slits to plant through it and then covering it with bark chippings. This practice can endanger stag beetles. In one instance last year, after emerging from the soil beetles were prevented from escaping by such sheeting. Fortunately the householder became aware of the situation and the sheeting was lifted to release the beetles.
Numbers
Numbers of adult stag beetles sighted in Suffolk in 2001 were very much below what would normally be expected. Reports for other counties suggest that a similar pattern has been found countrywide. However, fewer sightings were anticipated and are a reflection of the earlier prolonged wet weather.
2000 was the wettest in the region since 1916. In Ipswich the total rainfall was 8.47 inches above the long-term average. February 2001 was the wettest for 85 years and the sixth successive month with rainfall above the long-term average.
Nationally the total rainfall during September 2000 - February 2001 was unprecedented, as was the 12 month total from April 2000 - March 2001 (45% more rain than normal fell during this period).
Given the prolonged excessive rain through 2000 and well into 2001 a reduction in beetle numbers is not surprising. The soil became saturated and waterlogged, and as a result it is likely that many larvae and overwintering adults drowned.
Climate change
If the warming trend in our climate continues it is likely that the distribution of stag beetles will be extended northwards to follow the increased areas of highest accumulated day degrees (ADD) Celsius (see Trans. Suffolk Nat. Soc. 36 : 65-70).
Stag beetle research 2002 - volunteers required
Pitfall and aerial traps will be used again this year (see White Admiral 49 : 16) as part of a series of trials designed to find a suitable method for estimating populations. Traps will need to be kept in place for a maximum of 6 weeks and will need to be checked once a day. Any beetles caught will need to be measured, marked and released. If anyone is willing to help with the research by volunteering to set up traps at known stag beetle locations (e.g. in their gardens), please let me know as soon as possible and before the end of April.
Recording in Suffolk 2002
Records are required of stag beetle sightings for 2002. 
Please send them to the SBRC or direct to me and include the location of your sightings. A grid reference is useful as is information on the sex and behaviour of the insects. Information on size is also being collected. Measure beetles as shown in the drawing. Dead specimens are being used for further research. Please send these direct to me (used 35mm film containers are ideal for this).
National Survey 2002The People's Trust for Endangered Species are repeating their 1998 National Survey this year. The aim is to compare the data from the two surveys. Details can be obtained from:
15 Cloisters House, 8 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4BG.
Tel: 0207498 4533
Fax: 020 7498 4459.
Web: www.ptes.org
Email: enquiries@ptes.org
Finally, I would like to thank the many observers who sent in their records and detailed information for 2001.
Colin Hawes.
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