Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Lucanus placidus Say 1825: 202
= Lucanus lentus Laporte 1840: 171
= Lucanus rupicapra Dejean 1833: 174 (nomen nudum)
= Pseudolucanus placidus; Auct.
Identification
Similar to Lucanus capreolus, but much darker, elytra more punctate. Legs dark reddish brown, no light brown patches as in capreolus. Several small teeth on inside of mandibles of male--capreolus has only one.
Range
Includes eastern (southeastern, central?) North America. Listed from Ontario, Canada as well as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Texas, Nebraska, North Carolina, Minnesota, Oklahoma (but not South Carolina or Florida).
Season
Late spring to early summer. May-June (Oklahoma). May-July (Minnesota).
Life Cycle
Comes to light. Males fight, sometimes in the open, as on lawns.
Print References
Dillon, p. 568, plate LVI
(1)
Hoffman, C. H. 1937. Biological notes on Pseudolucanus placidus Say, Platycerus quercus Weber and Ceruchus piceus Weber (Lucanidae-Coleoptera). Entomological News 48: 281-284. (Listed in an Internet reference.)
Internet References
Insects of Cedar Creek--brief discussion of habits
Bioblitz page--Texas, says this beetle is found in sandy habitats.
