Mark-release-recapture studies are again underway.

     Radio-tracking individual beetles has started and the data received is being used to try to determine how far they disperse from their emergence sites in gardens (see photo below).

     Road casualty surveys of stag beetles are underway and are already giving promising results.

More volunteers are urgently required for this project

     Stag beetle sightings are being recorded, as in previous years.

Records of sightings are needed from anywhere in Suffolk to add to the distribution map and also to record that beetles are still present in places where they have previously been noted. It is also useful to have information about the lack of sightings, where beetle populations may have disappeared. Please provide the following information:

(1) the date of your sighting
(2) a place name/parish with if possible a map reference
(3) the sex of the beetle and
(4) any field details which you can supply relating to the specimen, e.g. flying, crawling, seen on wall of house etc.

Would those of you who live in or are visiting the following areas please look out for these insects: Clare, Battisford, Sudbury, Wetherden.

You can log on to my recording form via the SNS website to record your sightings, or report your sightings direct to me by email to: