MATING BEHAVIOR OF FIVE SPECIES OF LUCANIDAE (COLEOPTERA: INSECTA)

Abstract

AbstractObservations mainly on sexual behavior were made in both the field and laboratory on five species representing four genera of stag beetles all occurring in central Illinois.Males of Lucanus Scopoli (= Pseudolucanus) and Dorcus MacLeay which have relatively short mandibles made direct use of these appendages in subduing and maintaining the female in position during mating.Males of Platycerus Geoffroy and Ceruchus MacLeay which have larger mandibles did not use these appendages to hold the female, but rubbed a pair of legs intermittently against the female’s elytra and had much longer matings.The presence of a female stimulus was determinant in the amount of fighting among males.