That is a female stag beetle. Stag beetles are from the superfamily Scarabaeoidea, family Lucanidae. Males have larger mandibles than females. I am not sure which genus this is at the moment. would have to find my Coleopteran keys. If I have time I'll try to locate them. Keep in mind that identification by picture can sometimes be impossible. when it comes to ID to genus and or species, sometimes it is a very small detail that seperates two lineages.
crystalstone, what on Earth are you referring to:
"I see this beetle as Stag Beetle from the mesopotamus family. Please check on these species to verify exactly which one."
Rainfrog, I don't believe it is an Oregon Stag Beetle, as they have reticulated indentions more in rows going down the elytra and also have a bluish tint. What do you mean:
"But then again it could be a female from another subgroup (huge family of beetles)(and ours (male or female) look like the girls form some other species). Who knows new species of Stag Beetles are being defined all the time, you could have a new class of beetle."
In general, males have much longer mandibles, but I highly doubt that males of one species look like females of another. and a new class of beetle?????
Insecta is the class, below that is the beetle order (Coleoptera), then super family Scarabaeoidea, then family Lucanidae. There could be a new tribe, genus, or species discovered, however, this doesn't happen "all the time".
I know, I'm a stickler about correct scientific terminology. Just want everyone to have correct information!!!
Best Regards,
James
James
Last edited by xm41907 : 01-01-2008 at 01:00 PM.
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