Post by bandrow on Jun 18, 2017 19:13:56 GMT -8
Hi Tim,
My experience with collecting Platycerus has been pretty serendipitous - I've always found them sunning themselves on foliage in forested settings in late spring to early summer. I have seen a number of specimens in Lindgren funnel samples - they are attracted to the ethanol lures.
As for Lucanus placidus - it always occurs in areas with deep sand, and it appears to be a more northern species overall. It has been found in the Oak Openings area of NW Ohio and in sand deposits in SE Ohio as well. I've also seen a specimen from Presque Isle in NW Pennsylvania - another sandy area. They occasionally come to light, but most frequently seem to be found at night walking on the sand surface. There is some evidence that they have mass emergences over a night or two, making it tricky to hit them when they're out. I think June is the typical month of most activity.
Cheers!
Bandrow
My experience with collecting Platycerus has been pretty serendipitous - I've always found them sunning themselves on foliage in forested settings in late spring to early summer. I have seen a number of specimens in Lindgren funnel samples - they are attracted to the ethanol lures.
As for Lucanus placidus - it always occurs in areas with deep sand, and it appears to be a more northern species overall. It has been found in the Oak Openings area of NW Ohio and in sand deposits in SE Ohio as well. I've also seen a specimen from Presque Isle in NW Pennsylvania - another sandy area. They occasionally come to light, but most frequently seem to be found at night walking on the sand surface. There is some evidence that they have mass emergences over a night or two, making it tricky to hit them when they're out. I think June is the typical month of most activity.
Cheers!
Bandrow
