Insect Collecting Guide: How to Catch Beetles & Stag Beetles

Collecting beetles and stag beetles is one of summer's great pleasures. With the right approach, even beginners can enjoy efficient and rewarding collecting trips.

Best Season & Timing

Rhinoceros beetles: Late June through mid-August, peaking mid-July to early August. Most active from 8 PM to 2 AM.

Stag beetles: Late May through September. Sawtooth = June–August, Miyama = June–July, Stump = May–September. Nighttime is primary, but early morning is also productive.

Choosing Collection Spots

• Oak groves (kunugi/konara forests): Look for clusters of sap-producing trees
• Near streetlights and vending machines: Insects are attracted to light
• Higher elevations: Miyama Stag Beetles prefer altitudes above 500 m

Finding sap trees: Look for darkly stained patches on tree trunks. A sweet fermentation smell is a strong indicator. Hornets and moths congregating on a tree confirm active sap flow.

Collecting Methods

Sap collecting: Illuminate sap-producing trees with a flashlight at night and gently capture insects by hand.

Light collecting: Patrol areas around streetlights and convenience stores. Mercury vapor and fluorescent lights are particularly attractive to insects.

Trap collecting: Place a "banana trap" — bananas soaked in shochu (distilled spirits) stuffed in a stocking — and hang it on a tree. Set traps in the evening and check from nighttime through the following morning.

Collecting Etiquette & Safety

• Don't over-collect: Take only what you need and release the rest
• Never trespass on private property
• Take all trash home: Don't forget to retrieve your traps
• Beware of hornets: Avoid dark clothing and don't provoke them
• Don't go alone: Use the buddy system for nighttime mountain excursions

See also our Beetle & Stag Beetle Larva Care Guide.

Find Insects on Bri-Choku

For rare species and bred specimens that are hard to find in the wild, check Bri-Choku. Browse the insect category to find carefully raised individuals from experienced breeders.