Both sexes resemble the female greater stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), though they are a uniformly blackish colour rather than having the chestnut brown wing covers (elytra) of the larger species.

Adults as well as larvae are found in very soft decaying wood of broad-leaved trees, especially ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus sylvatica) and apple (Malus spp).

Adults cannot eat solid food, but they can drink tree sap and the liquid of fallen fruits.

Adult beetles can be found in woodland, parkland and hedgerows in the summer, often resting in the sun on trees.

This is a widespread species in most of England and is generally common (except in the far north), coming into gardens wherever there are orchards, old hedges or large trees.