Within the West-Paleartic, Turkey is home to many taxonomic groups and is critically located at a cross-point of geographical regions with large climatic and topographical gradients contributing, at least in part, to the rich diversity of habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity therein. Loss of deadwood habitats is but one major concern in conservation or biodiversity efforts in the region. An emblematic group, such as Lucanus spp. of the family Lucanidae, may prove to be a critical component of these conservation efforts. Eight taxonomic groups of Lucanus spp. are found in Turkey. A taxonomic key for these species and subspecies was developed and should serve as a basis for gathering needed data on the distribution, ecology, biology, and occurrence of Lucanus spp. in Turkey and surrounding areas.
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Lucanus spp.
stag beetles
taxonomic key
Turkey