Stag beetle

Stag beetles of the genus Platycerus are members of the Lucanidae family, belonging to the order Coleoptera. Unlike their larger relatives, these beetles are relatively small, characterized by a metallic sheen on their elytra. While they primarily function as decomposers in natural forest ecosystems, they can become pests in specific agricultural and silvicultural settings.

This pest targets various deciduous trees, including oak, beech, birch, and common fruit trees such as apples, pears, and plums. They are particularly drawn to stressed, decaying, or mechanically damaged trees. A weakened host plant is an ideal environment for females to lay their eggs, as the wood is softer and easier for emerging larvae to penetrate.

The life cycle of Platycerus is intrinsically linked to the health of the wood. Eggs are deposited in bark fissures or directly into decaying wood. The larvae spend their development phase creating galleries within the trunk or branches. This life stage can span several years, during which the larvae feed on the wood fibers, significantly impacting the structural integrity of the plant.

The damage caused by these beetles is manifested through the tunneling activity of the larvae, which disrupts the tree's vascular system. This interference with nutrient and water flow leads to the decline of the tree, yellowing of foliage, and eventually the death of individual branches or the entire plant. Furthermore, the tunnels act as entry points for rot-causing fungi.

• Regular sanitary pruning to remove dead or diseased branches.
• Removal and destruction of decaying wood and stumps that harbor populations.
• Maintenance of tree vigor through appropriate fertilization and irrigation.
• Sealing of bark wounds with specialized horticultural pastes to prevent infestation.
• Regular inspections of orchards to detect early signs of larval activity.