Platycerus virescens from AL

[Lucanus]

Thanks for the ID. I do not know a lot a bout this genus. How do you distinguish between Platycerus virescens and P. depressus?

Striation pattern on the elytra and pornotum shape is quite different

Compare :

http://bugguide.net/node/view/738154/bgimage

http://bugguide.net/node/view/493150/bgimage

 

[Bill Myers]

Thanks for the ID. I do not know a lot a bout this genus. How do you distinguish between Platycerus virescens and P. depressus?

Well, I'm sure there are other ways, but the way I can quickly tell them apart is by looking at the antennae.

If you look at the antennae of a P. virescens, you'll notice the clubbed tip. Below that are 3 spikes. The 3rd spike down is rather small and not very prominent.

Now, if you look at the antennae of a P. depressus, you'll see that the 3rd spike is rather long and well defined.

Anyway, that's the way I do it. And, it's fairly easy once you get the hang of it.

Cheers

 

[Lucanus]

Well, I'm sure there are other ways, but the way I can quickly tell them apart is by looking at the antennae.

If you look at the antennae of a P. virescens, you'll notice the clubbed tip. Below that are 3 spikes. The 3rd spike down is rather small and not very prominent.

Now, if you look at the antennae of a P. depressus, you'll see that the 3rd spike is rather long and well defined.

Anyway, that's the way I do it. And, it's fairly easy once you get the hang of it.

Cheers

Wow! I didn't notice that until you mentioned this. Thank you so much for posting the info

 

[wizentrop]

Thanks guys for the good info!
I will keep my eyes open when spring comes. Last year I found a Sinodendron male in the forest but because I was on a hike with students I did not collect it. Only later I found out that S. rugosum is found only in Western North America (I am in Ontario, Eastern NA) so I am dying to know what it was.