Platycerus caraboides


Platycerus caraboides is a species of stag beetle belonging to the family Lucanidae, subfamily Lucaninae.

Subspecies

Subspecies include:
  • Platycerus caraboides caerulosus Didier & Ségui, 1953
  • ''Platycerus caraboides caraboides''

Distribution

These beetles are present in most of Europe, in Asia and in North Africa

Description

Platycerus caraboides can reach a body length of about. These beetles have flat body, metallic black, steel blue or greenish. Antennae are geniculate, with a club of 3 items, Jaws are denticulate at the inner edge and also in the male they are shorter than the head. This species can be easily distinguished as a stag beetle by its geniculate antennae.
This species is very similar to Platycerus caprea.

Biology

Adults can mostly be encountered from May through July, flying around during the day in deciduous forests or staying on the ground on rotten branches. The predominantly host-plants are broadleaf plants, but also conifers. The larvae usually live on decayed wood of oak and beech.