Dorcus brevis
This record describes Dorcus brevis (species). Recorded family: Lucanidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Humerus with a large tooth projecting forward and outward
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Lucanidae (Stag Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lucaninae
- Tribe
- Lucanini
- Genus
- Dorcus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e.US (NJ‒FL‒MS to MI‒MO‒OK)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Apparently restricted to stumps/logs of Quercus alba
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dorcus brevis ( Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dorcus brevis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Dorcus brevis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , nebbeetle , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dorcus brevis
What is Dorcus brevis?
Dorcus brevis is a species in the family Lucanidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dorcus brevis?
14‒30 mm
How do you identify Dorcus brevis?
Humerus with a large tooth projecting forward and outward
Where is Dorcus brevis found?
Range: e.US (NJ‒FL‒MS to MI‒MO‒OK)
What does Dorcus brevis eat?
The diet of the Dorcus brevis includes Apparently restricted to stumps/logs of Quercus alba.