Bigass Beetle

While on my regular walkabout on the job, I ran across a very large beetle, judging from its size and lovely reddish coloration, I'd have to say it's a Lucanus capreolus- a common Eastern North American stag beetle:

I'd guess that the critter was about two inches long. It was a remarkably patient photographic subject. I guess when you're that formidable looking, you don't have to move quickly.

I'm still amazed at the lovely color of the beast.