By Anne Das
Ipoh author Dr Adib Vincent Tung Abdullah has drawn on decades of observation, breeding, collecting and research to produce a landmark 436-page reference book on stag beetles.
Titled: Stag Beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo, the book was officially launched at Perak Academy, No. 1, Jalan Lasam, Ipoh, on 21 July 2026.
Published by Universiti Sains Malaysia, it documents all 242 species known across the region and features full-colour, life-size illustrations of more than 200 of them.
The launch was officiated by Director-General of Higher Education Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda Azman, representing Higher Education Minister Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Among the distinguished guests were YDH Toh Muda Azman Yeop, Orang Besar Jajahan Kampar; Dato’ Dr Ramanathan Ramiah, CEO of Yayasan Ipoh; and ISTAC Director Professor Dato’ Dr Ahmad Murad Merican.
Also present were Malaysian cartoonist Dato’ Mohd Nor Khalid, FRIM Incorporated CEO Faizal Ramli; Zoo Taiping & Night Safari Director Dr. Ridhwan Affendi; and PORT GM Nur Hamin Khairuddin.
The book covers the classification, appearance, habitats, behaviour, life histories and geographical distribution of stag beetles. It also explores their relationship with humans and explains how they can be bred and studied responsibly.
Dr Adib’s interest in beetles began when he was 13 after the late Michael Yeh showed him paintings and colour photographs of stag, longhorn, jewel and chafer beetles.
He deliberately wrote the book in language that students, hobbyists and ordinary nature lovers could understand. He hopes it will encourage young Malaysians to take an interest in insects, biodiversity and field biology.
The book also carries a warning about the condition of Malaysia’s forests.
Stag beetles are sensitive insects that generally thrive in undisturbed forests. Their abundance can provide an indication of forest health.
“The abundance of this group of insects indicates the health of our forests,” Dr Adib told Ipoh Echo.
He warned that logging and forest clearing for agriculture, housing and industry had contributed to declining insect populations.
Dr Adib also called for schools, universities and researchers to be allowed to undertake properly regulated fieldwork. He also urged Malaysian universities to renew their focus on biology, zoology and entomology.
Datuk Professor Dr Azlinda said entomology remained underappreciated despite the importance of insects to biodiversity, agriculture and the ecosystem.
She said FRIM maintains approximately 600,000 insect specimens, although the collection is not readily accessible to the public.
Speaking on behalf of the minister, she said the government would consider establishing an insect reference collection at the National Science Centre. It would give students, scientists and the public greater access to information while encouraging interest in biological sciences.
Born and raised in Ipoh, Dr Adib is Chairman of Perak Academy and a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London and the Zoological Society of London.
A lifelong naturalist, he has participated in scientific expeditions and written extensively on beetles, butterflies, conservation, tourism and Perak’s history.
His knowledge of stag beetles grew from decades of personal observation, breeding and collecting. It is his 33rd published book.
To obtain a copy, contact:
Perak Academy via WhatsApp at 016-412 3742.
Stag Beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo is priced at RM265.
