Golden Stag Beetle

A beautiful, shimmering beetle hovered to the ground near the back door today – it’s a golden stag beetle, scientific name Lamprima aurata. They are found in Victoria, S.A., and N.S.W.  Golden Stags live in dry sclerophyll vegetation, with the larvae feeding on decomposing soft wood.   This little critter was on a mission and wasn’t going to hang around to pose for a photo.