Fighting for love and food, stag beetle throws opponent on its back
Updated 16:42, 13-Aug-2018
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Two stag beetles were photographed fighting on a log in Voronezh, Russia in their quest for food and mates. /VCG Photo

Two stag beetles were photographed fighting on a log in Voronezh, Russia in their quest for food and mates. /VCG Photo

One seemed to have won the bout as it held its opponent between its jaws and lifted it off the ground. /VCG Photo

One seemed to have won the bout as it held its opponent between its jaws and lifted it off the ground. /VCG Photo

Most of the life of stag beetles is spent underground in the form of a larva. They come to the surface in mid-May to reproduce. /VCG Photo

Most of the life of stag beetles is spent underground in the form of a larva. They come to the surface in mid-May to reproduce. /VCG Photo

Despite their often scary looks, the insects pose no danger to humans. The stag beetle is one of the largest species in Europe, with some growing up to over 12 cm. On average, the insect is about 5 cm long. /VCG Photo

Despite their often scary looks, the insects pose no danger to humans. The stag beetle is one of the largest species in Europe, with some growing up to over 12 cm. On average, the insect is about 5 cm long. /VCG Photo