Second Crowdfunding Launched to Uncover the Source of Stag Beetles' 'Coolness'

Dr. Hiroki Goto, a lecturer at Shizuoka University's Faculty of Science, is conducting research to clarify the mechanism by which male stag beetles alone develop large mandibles, aiming to uncover the source of their 'coolness.' Following the empathy and support received during the crowdfunding campaign from 2024 to 2025, he has announced the launch of a second crowdfunding campaign.

This project aims to clarify the mechanism by which male stag beetles develop large mandibles by investigating which genes are used when the male mandibles are formed (expression analysis) and examining whether the mandibles fail to develop when those genes are deactivated (functional analysis).

By observing how the beetle's appearance changes when gene function is suppressed, the function of those genes can be determined.

Conducting research on stag beetles, an insect familiar to many people, through crowdfunding is expected to broaden public understanding and support for basic science. We kindly request media outlets to widely publicize this and consider covering the project.

【Crowdfunding Overview】

Project Title: Want to Uncover the Source of Stag Beetles' 'Coolness'! SEASON2

Page URL: https://academist-cf.com/projects/420

Target Amount: 500,000 yen (All or Nothing format)

*Funds are only received if the total donations exceed the target amount within the募集 period.

Campaign Period: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 10:00 AM – Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 5:00 PM

Use of Funds: Purchase of experimental reagents and equipment, conference participation fees, sampling costs, etc.

【Researcher Comment】

Dr. Hiroki Goto, Lecturer, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University

I have loved insects since I was a child, and stag beetles were my favorite. Since starting research on stag beetles in graduate school, I have been studying them for nearly 20 years.

【Research Overview】

This research focuses on the developmental mechanisms of 'sex-specific development,' where mandibles develop only in males, and 'environment-dependent development,' where mandible size depends on environmental factors. Specifically, we will conduct gene functional analysis of sex-determination-related factors and (nutrient-responsive) endocrine factors, inferring functions from phenotypes. Through this, we aim to clarify how sex-specific mandible development occurs and how nutritional conditions influence this process.

【Research Background】

Although stag beetles are a major insect known to all Japanese people, they have not been extensively studied from an experimental biology perspective. The symbol of a stag beetle is the large mandible that develops only in males. These mandibles exhibit diverse forms across different stag beetle species, with elements of coolness including shape, luster, and size. Among these, I find the size of the mandibles particularly cool.

So, what mechanism allows the mandibles to develop so large? Why does this mechanism function only in males and not in females? What mechanism results in diverse forms across species? These questions remain largely unanswered. Through this research, I aim to unravel the mysteries surrounding stag beetle mandibles and get closer to the source of their coolness.

【Future Prospects and Impact】

I dream of a world where the questions that arise when observing nature—'Why?' and 'How?'—and the desire to know the answers are both valued. Everyone has probably had various questions about things around them as a child. 'Why does it rain?' 'Why do cherry blossoms fall so quickly?' 'Why don't humans have wings?' 'Why do sugar and salt look the same but taste different?' These childhood questions might become trivial as we grow up. However, humanity has unraveled many such questions throughout history, leading to the development of science and technology.

Through the results of our stag beetle research, I hope to convey the excitement of research activities, encouraging many people (in my case, children who love stag beetles) to maintain this curiosity and nurture it.

The crowdfunding campaign conducted from 2024 to 2025 received support from 184 people totaling over 3 million yen, generating significant反响, including coverage by various media. Using the funds received, our research has made great progress. We hope to continue advancing research on the familiar stag beetle together with everyone and allow them to experience the excitement of research activities.

【Research Plan】

【Period】

【Plan】

August 2026

Research begins

September 2026

Presentation at a domestic academic conference

October 2026

Start writing papers on sex determination and nutrient response