Information: Platycerus spinifer, is endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula was described from Spain by Schaufuss in 1863. Often has a dark or metallic sheen, ranging from dark blue to black or greenish hues. Platycerus spinifer, is a saproxylic species, its larvae develop in decaying wood (roots, stumps, etc.) of various types of trees and shrubs, especially in hilly and mountainous wetter areas throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
Body length: 9 - 15 mm
Peak activity: May - July
Remarks: In the Serra da Estrela Mountains, an adult beetles rest on the branches of Retama sphaerocarpa in sunny weather.
Distribution: France, Portugal, Spain
Zoogeographic region: Palearctic
Taxonomic classification:
Material examined (& observation):
Portugal 
Beira-Baixa, prov. Covilha
Serra da Estrela NP
Penhas da Saúde env.
(GPS) 
Altitude 1500 m a.s.l. | 21.5.2021
Our observation period: May ~ June
Sampling Methods: on bushes and plants 
Portugal
