While reviewing the literature, we discovered problems and confusion with three species of North American Lucanidae that require clarification and correction. The name Platycerus quercus (Weber, 1801) (Lucaninae: Platycerini) (formerly Platycerus virescens (Fabricius, 1775)) is revalidated since the Fabricius name is correctly classified as Temnochila virescens (Fabricius, 1775) (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae). Since there was much confusion over the classification of the name Temnochila virescens (Fabricius, 1775), a neotype is designated for this species. We use a reversal of precedence under Article 23.9.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature to give Lucanus piceusWeber, 1801 nomen protectum (now Ceruchus piceus (Weber, 1801), Syndesinae) precedence over the primary homonym Lucanus piceusBonsdorff, 1785nomen oblitum (now a junior synonym of Ceruchus chrysomelinus (Hochenwarth, 1785)). To clarify the author and date of Lucanus capreolus (Linnaeus, 1763) (Lucaninae: Lucanini), we detail the origin of the name. An updated checklist of the Lucanidae of North America north of Mexico is provided.