Alaus oculatus

[58chevy]

These are fairly common in the eastern USA, with closely related species in the west. I usually find them either flying between trees or at lights. Up to 45mm in length.
Canvas size: 24 X 36 inches Medium: acrylic

[Chuck]

These are fairly common in the eastern USA,

I have found three in my lifetime, all accidental finds, none at lights.

If you look at the records map on iNaturalist, you'll see that the range somewhat follows the Terminus of Southern Aggression (i.e., not in a lot of PA or central NY) though they must be a bit more cold tolerant, with limited records in Canada north of the lakes, and along the warmer Hudson Valley and Atlantic coast.

The art is fantastic.

[Trehopr1]

Indeed, fantastic artwork !

I have taken many trips to Southern Illinois where it is still quite wooded and very rural (outside of towns); and I have only found one specimen -- over the course of those 9 years.

I encountered plenty of the little brown half-inch (or less) jobs but, these fellows are certainly very few and far between (at least here in the Midwest states).

[58chevy]

I don't see as many of them as I did when they had MV lights. Back then it wasn't unusual to find a dozen of them at one location.