[1] Dorcus parallelus is endemic to North America, with concentrations in the Eastern United States and Canada.

Female D. parallelus after a successful mating will search for a suitable decaying piece of wood to lay her eggs.

While the current research on the morphology of D. parallelus is considered sparse, there are certain features that make this species distinguishable from other beetles.

Additionally, D. parallelus has a large singular tooth on its mandibles, as compared to two smaller internal teeth on D. brevis.

Features like their color, size, and relatively unique mandibles make this species compelling to many as either pets or as taxidermy.