Other Common Names
Incorrectly referred to as P. virescens (Fabr.) since Benesh 1946, however that name pertains to a trogossitid. Historically and correctly named P. quercus (Smith & Paulsen 2017).
Explanation of Names
Platycerus quercus (Weber 1801)
quercus = 'oak'
Identification
reddish brown to blackish, may have brassy or greenish tinge. Male mandibles as long as head
(2)
m:
f:
Range
Relatively abundant in northeastern US, range extends as far west as TX-NE
(1)(3)Habitat
Associated with rotting logs; adults sometimes on flowers
(2); in rotting tree trunks and beneath bark
(1)Print References
Benesh B. (1946) A systematic revision of the holarctic genus Platycerus Geoffroy (Coleoptera: Lucanidae). Trans. Am. Ent. Soc., 72(3): 139-202.
Hoffman C.H. (1937) Biological notes on Pseudolucanus placidus Say, Platycerus quercus Weber and Ceruchus piceus Weber (Lucanidae, Coleoptera). Entomological News 48: 281-284.
Mathieu J.M. (1969) Mating behavior of five species of Lucanidae (Coleoptera: Insecta). Canadian Entomologist 101: 1054-1062.
Smith A.B.T & M.J. Paulsen. 2017. Corrections to the nomenclature of three species of North American Lucanidae (Coleoptera). Coleopterists Bulletin 71(3): 571-577.