Oak Stag Beetle
Platycerus quercus
This record describes Platycerus quercus (species). Recorded family: Lucanidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
reddish brown to blackish, may have brassy or greenish tinge; male mandibles as long as head ( 3 ) ♂ ♀
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Lucanidae (Stag Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Lucaninae
- Tribe
- Platycerini
- Genus
- Platycerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
rotting tree trunks and beneath bark
Geographic Range
e. NA to NE‒OK‒n.GA - Map , uncommon along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts, lit record from TX per Maes w/o further locality.
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Nov in NE
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Platycerus quercus (Weber 1801) ( virescens (L). 'growing green or verdant')
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Platycerus quercus. 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 Oak Stag Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Tom Bentley , Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , nebbeetle , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Stag Beetle
What is Oak Stag Beetle?
Oak Stag Beetle (Platycerus quercus) is a species in the family Lucanidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Oak Stag Beetle?
7.6‒12.0 mm
How do you identify Oak Stag Beetle?
reddish brown to blackish, may have brassy or greenish tinge; male mandibles as long as head ( 3 ) ♂ ♀
Where is Oak Stag Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | rotting tree trunks and beneath bark |
| Range | e. NA to NE‒OK‒n.GA - Map , uncommon along Gulf and s. Atlantic coasts, lit record from TX per Maes w/o further locality. |
When is Oak Stag Beetle active?
Oak Stag Beetle: seasonal activity - Mar‒Nov in NE.