The Platycerus (Coleoptera, Lucanidae) of California, with the recognition of Platycerus cribripennis Van Dyke as a valid species

Abstract

The status of Platycerus cribripennis Van Dyke, generally treated as a synonym of P. marginalis Casey, has been unclear. Here we recognize and redescribe P. cribripennis, which is endemic to the coastal mountains of California, as a valid species due to its unique morphology. A key to the Platycerus of California is presented, and the distributions of the recognized species are discussed.