Ox beetle trapping?

[betta132]

I'd like to catch some adult ox beetles, Strategus aloeus, so I can have them as pets for a bit and then mount them once they die of old age. I know we have them in the area, and I know an area of deep leaf litter that's had ox beetle body parts on it before, but I've never found a live one. Would a large pitfall trap have any chance of catching something without bait, or is there something that might attract them?
Also, from what I've read, care is basically "keep in moist environment and give commercial beetle food", like with other stag beetles. Can anyone confirm? 

[larrycurlymoe]

Ox beetles are attracted to lights. The best way to find them is either to look for them at gas stations (with MV lights) at night or to set up a light rig out in the woods. June & July are the best months.

[leon]

Wikipedia states that they are rather rare in the US and much more frequent in Mexico, Central America and parts of South America.

[larrycurlymoe]

Strategus aloeus is very common where I live (near Houston, TX). I sometimes find them by the dozens at gas stations and other lighted buildings at night. Don't bother with bait or pitfall traps. They are far more attracted to mercury vapor (MV) lights. Unfortunately, most of the new gas stations have switched from MV to LED lights, which don't attract bugs. Dollar General still uses MV, so check that if there's one near you. If not, look for old gas stations.

[leon]

Oct 25, 2016 20:57:12 GMT larrycurlymoe said:

Strategus aloeus is very common where I live (near Houston, TX). I sometimes find them by the dozens at gas stations and other lighted buildings at night. Don't bother with bait or pitfall traps. They are far more attracted to mercury vapor (MV) lights. Unfortunately, most of the new gas stations have switched from MV to LED lights, which don't attract bugs. Dollar General still uses MV, so check that if there's one near you. If not, look for old gas stations.

I didn't know that LEDs don't attract bugs. My outside lights are now LED, dammit !

[larrycurlymoe]

Leon,

Standard security lights for houses used to have MV bulbs. I don't know whether they still do, but you could look for an old used one on the web. Or you could install a UV fluorescent light fixture. Leptraps.com has lots of collecting lights and insect traps. Check it out.

[larrycurlymoe]

It looks like there is a new LED bulb under development that emits more UV wavelengths and is attractive to insects. See the "Industrial UV Lights" discussion on this website.