Insects with extremely long mouthparts typically can't generate enough force to bite down hard due to simple mechanics. However, stag beetles compensate for this lack of force with many powerful chewing muscles. Both males and females can deliver surprisingly painful bites.

Can you pick up a stag beetle?

If you find one, you can give them some soft fruit or sugared water and move it out of harms way. Don't put your finger between the 'antlers' but if you pick them up (gently) on their body you can move them out of harm's way.

Do giant stag beetles fly?

Male stag beetle with its striking mouthparts, or mandibles. The males can grow to 70mm and the females can be as small as 25mm, although the females are the ones who use their smaller mandibles to bite. ...