Stag Beetles (Lucanidae) - 45 Species, Identification & Facts

Dorcus brevis

Identification: Humerus with a large tooth projecting forward and outward

Lesser Stag Beetle

Dorcus parallelipipedus

This is the smaller cousin of the well known Stag Beetle. Though smaller, it is still a very large beetle but it doesn't have such enlarged mandibles as the male Stag Beetle. It is found in woodland and sometimes in gardens, especially where there ar

Lucanus placidus

Identification: Similar to L. 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.

Nicagus obscurus

usually collected in flight, on sand, or under debris/driftwood. Females tend to be larger and darker.

Nicagus occultus

Identification: PARATYPE News Release - Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Dec. 5, 2005 New Beetle Species Discovered at State Park AUSTIN, Texas - Sometimes even the most well-trod ground can yield surprises. That was the case in May when a graduate stude

Platycerus oregonensis

Identification: According to Benesh 1946: Non-dentate mandible Longitudinal pronotal depression Head and pronotum black Sides sinuate at basal angles (obtuse) Head widest behind eyes Anterior margin of pronotum sinuate As well as some further marks,

Oak Stag Beetle

Platycerus quercus

Identification: reddish brown to blackish, may have brassy or greenish tinge; male mandibles as long as head ( 3 ) ♂ ♀

Rhinoceros Beetle

Sinodendron cylindricum

Length approx 15 to 18 mm. Rhinoceros beetles get their name from the pointed projection on the front of the head of the males which gives them a rhinoceros-like appearance. The female rhinoceros beetle just has a small bump. The shiny body of the rh