Lucanus placidus
This record describes Lucanus placidus (species). Recorded family: Lucanidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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.
Wikipedia reference for Lucanus placidus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucanus_placidus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Lucanidae (Stag Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lucaninae
- Tribe
- Lucanini
- Genus
- Lucanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sandy areas
Geographic Range
e US (TX-AL-ON-MN) - Map , rare along the eastern seaboard
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Jul (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Dead roots/stumps in sandy soils are preferred. Some workers claim they found larvae in decaying oak logs and in roots of old oak stumps. Others said they found larvae damaging roots of conifers in some nurseries. Others yet say they feed on live roots of oak, Virginia creeper, Boston ivy, various shrubs, flowers, and grass.
Life History
Comes to light. Males fight, sometimes in the open, as on lawns.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: placidus (L). 'smooth, pleasing'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Lucanus placidus. 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 Lucanus placidus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , nebbeetle , v belov , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucanus placidus
What is Lucanus placidus?
Lucanus placidus is a species in the family Lucanidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Lucanus placidus?
19-38 mm
How do you identify Lucanus placidus?
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.
Where is Lucanus placidus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy areas |
| Range | e US (TX-AL-ON-MN) - Map , rare along the eastern seaboard |
What does Lucanus placidus eat?
The diet of the Lucanus placidus includes Dead roots/stumps in sandy soils are preferred. Some workers claim they found larvae in decaying oak logs and in roots of old oak stumps. Others said they found larvae damaging roots of conifers in some nurseries. Others yet say they feed on live roots of oak, Virginia creeper, Boston ivy, various shrubs, flowers, and grass..
When is Lucanus placidus active?
Lucanus placidus: seasonal activity - Apr-Jul (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Lucanus placidus?
Comes to light. Males fight, sometimes in the open, as on lawns.