''Dorcus parallelus'', more commonly known as the antelope stag beetle, is a species from the

Lucanidae Stag beetles are a family of about 1,200 species of beetles in the family Lucanidae, currently classified in four subfamilies.Smith, A.B.T. (2006). A review of the family-group names for the superfamily Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) with corrections ...

family. Extensive research has not been done on this species. ''D. parallelus'' has been seen to be endemic to North America. Features of this species include its impressive size and distinctive antler-like mandibles useful during mating. These beetles are often compared to ''

Dorcus parallelipipedus ''Dorcus parallelipipedus'', the lesser stag beetle, is a species of stag beetle found in Europe. Description Both sexes resemble the female greater stag beetle (''Lucanus cervus''), though they are a uniformly blackish colour rather than havi ...

'', the sister species mainly concentrated in Europe.

Distribution

''Dorcus parallelus'' is endemic to North America, with concentrations in the Eastern United States and Canada. One study focused on ''Dorcus parallelus'' found in Central Illinois.

Sexual behavior

''Dorcus parallelus'' displays sexual behavior to other species in the Lucanus family. After recognizing a female of interest, the male follows the female with its mandibles open, constantly palpating and flickering its antennae. A unique sound is elicited when the male bits the elytra of the female in an attempt to mount. After mounting has been initiated, the male thrusts his mandibles forward, biting the pronotum and head of the female. Female ''D. parallelus'' after a successful mating will search for a suitable decaying piece of wood to lay her eggs.

Morphology

This beetle has been measured at 15 to 26 mm long with either a brown or black hue. One source documents sexual dimorphism, with the mandible of males being twice as long as those of females. While the current research on the morphology of ''D. parallelus'' is considered sparse, there are certain features that make this species distinguishable from other beetles. This species has relatively short mandibles (the paired jaws of some insects) used for mating. In the field, ''Dorcus parallelus'' is often confused with ''Dorcus brevis''. ''D. parallelus'' is often darker in hue, with a more elongated body. Additionally, ''D. parallelus'' has a large singular tooth on its mandibles, as compared to two smaller internal teeth on ''D. brevis''. Differences in the genitalia of the two species were also documented.

Artistic interests

The ''D. parallelus'' is of immense interest to collectors and enthusiasts. Features like their color, size, and relatively unique mandibles make this species compelling to many as either pets or as taxidermy.

References

Lucaninae Beetles of North America Beetles described in 1824 Taxa named by Thomas Say {{Lucanidae-stub