What observation suggests high species richness among stag beetles in the Southeastern US compared to other regions?

Answer

Frequent documentation by agricultural extension services in warm, humid environments

Entomological resources indicate that the Southeastern United States exhibits a notably high species richness within the stag beetle family, Lucanidae. This abundance is directly supported by the local environmental conditions described in the area, specifically the warm and humid climate. These conditions favor the rapid turnover of biomass and the plentiful availability of the necessary deadwood resources required for successful breeding across multiple species simultaneously. Agricultural extension services in states within this region, such as South Carolina, frequently document the presence of various stag beetles, serving as evidence of this strong localized diversity.

What observation suggests high species richness among stag beetles in the Southeastern US compared to other regions?
habitatinsectUSAdistributionstag beetle