LUCANUS

(Lat.), n. m. Lu(lu)-kan(ka>n)'us(u<s). The stag beetle; a genus of insects having long projecting jaws which resemble in miniature the horns of a stag. The Lucanidce (Ger., Lucaniden) are a family of the Coleoptera. [B, 180 (a, 35).] L. cervus. Qer., Hirschkdfer, Feuerschroter, Feuerwurm. The largest of all the European beetles, being nearly 2 inches long. It is found in oak forests throughout Europe, and feeds on the honeydew of their leaves. The larvae, which are found in the hollow cavities of oaks, are supposed to have been the co i. a favorite food of the ancient Romans. This chafer was once official in Europe, and was employed, pulverized, as a diuretic and as an external anodyne application. Oleum scarabcei cornuti. which was used like oleum scorpionum, was prepared by boiling the insects in oil. [B, 180 (a, 35).] [s. 672]