The stag beetle's Latin name, Lucanus cervus, does not come from its resemblance to missing peers, but rather was given to it by Pliny the Elder because these insects were common in Lucania, an ancient district of southern Italy. Unfortunately, the species is now under threat. The beetle reacts to large approaching objects by remaining motionless and posing and is thus both a good photographic subject and easy prey for magpies, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, cats and woodpeckers.