Platycerus depressus
LeConte, 1850
Aspen stag beetle (eastern)
Platycerus depressus is a of in the Lucanidae, described by Joseph LeConte in 1850. It is one of the smaller stag beetles in North America and is associated with aspen and other deciduous trees. The species is widely distributed across and temperate regions of Canada and the northern United States. It is commonly known as the eastern aspen stag beetle due to its association with Populus tremuloides and related trees.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platycerus depressus: //ˌplætɪˈsɪərəs dɪˈprɛsəs//
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Distribution
Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory) and USA (Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin). The spans forests through northern temperate zones.
Host Associations
- Populus tremuloides - larval : quaking aspen
Similar Taxa
- Platycerus virescensOverlapping range in eastern North America; P. virescens tends to be more metallic green and associated with different trees.
- Platycerus oregonensisWestern North American distribution; P. depressus is distinguished by its more eastern and northern range and subtle morphological differences.
More Details
Etymology
The specific epithet 'depressus' refers to the somewhat flattened body form of this compared to other Platycerus.
Taxonomic history
First described by Joseph LeConte in 1850, this has remained stable in its taxonomic placement within the Platycerus, tribe Platycerini.