Distribution, habitat preferences, and the implications of forestry practices in Virginia of the giant stag beetle, Lucanus elaphus Fabricius 1775 (Coleoptera: Lucanidae)

The giant stag beetle (Lucanus elaphus) is a large saproxylic insect found in lowland, oak-dominated forests throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeastern, and Midwestern United States. Existing ecological research regarding the species (and other North American Lucanidae) is minimal and further research is necessary to better understand the species' role, importance, and conservation status. Despite a rich publication record of the closely related European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus), there is a noted sparsity of scientific literature dedicated to its American counterpart, L. elaphus. Given the European stag beetle’s population decline across much of its range, with some areas even experiencing local extinctions, it has been proposed that a similar decline may be occurring within our American giant stag beetle species. By utilizing a growing body of observational data from citizen science applications like iNaturalist and combining it with data from museum collection records and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) holdings, a clearer picture of spatial realities and habitat preferences should emerge. With a reliable distribution map of the species within Virginia, an index of environmental preferences, and an analysis of existing forestry practices throughout the state, this will help determine potential conservation needs and inform management practices that could better protect our state’s giant stag beetle populations.