Cantharolethrus peruvianus

Description

Cantharolethrus peruvianus is a beetle that belongs to the family of deer beetles (Lucanidae) in the group Scarabaeoidea. A medium to large (27-45 millimeters), relatively slender, shiny black deer beetle. They are among the largest deer beetles in South America, which lack huge species within this group. The male's jaws (mandibles) are strong, fairly straight, evenly curved, with three pointed teeth near the tip, and one tooth near the root. The antennae are strikingly long and thin, without a clear fan at the tip. The head has a sloping radiator on the sides and is broadly U-shaped indented in the middle. Pronotum is trapezoidal with protruding posterior corners. The female is much smaller than the male, dull, without enlarged jaws. Head and forelegs are rather gnarled, head almost square. The larvae develop in rotten tree trunks.The species is widespread in Bolivia and Peru.