Insect Care FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Essential supplies include a breeding case (Kobae Shutter type recommended), insect substrate, beetle jelly, climbing branches, and anti-mite/anti-gnat sheets. For breeding, you will also need egg-laying wood (stag beetles) or fermented substrate (rhinoceros beetles). Initial costs are around ¥2,000–¥5,000, making it easy to start. See our Insect Keeping Beginner's Guide for more details.

Japanese giant stag beetles, rainbow stag beetles, and Hercules beetles (DHH) are recommended for beginners. Japanese giant stag beetles are hardy, long-lived, easy to keep, and breed readily. Rainbow stag beetles are prized for their stunning iridescent coloration. Check out the listings in our insect category.

Japanese species thrive at 20–25°C (68–77°F) and can be kept at typical room temperature. Exotic species vary by origin: lowland species (Hercules, etc.) prefer 23–26°C (73–79°F), while highland species prefer 18–22°C (64–72°F). Temperatures above 30°C (86°F) are dangerous for most species. In summer, use an air-conditioned room or a wine cooler.

High-protein beetle jelly (16 g or 30 g cups) is the most suitable food for adults. Avoid fruits like watermelon and melon — they are too watery. For larvae, rhinoceros beetle larvae eat fermented substrate, while stag beetle larvae are raised on fungus bottles. Replace larval substrate every 2–3 months.

The first step is preparing a mature pair. Rhinoceros beetles need 2–4 weeks after starting to eat, while stag beetles require 1–6 months depending on species. Keep the breeding setup at stable temperature and humidity, undisturbed for 1–2 months. For breeding advice, consult breeders directly through our insect category.

Rhinoceros beetle larvae are raised in fermented substrate, and stag beetle larvae in fungus bottles. Upgrade container sizes from 800 ml to 1400 ml as they grow. Once they start building a pupal chamber, avoid any vibration. You can also find larvae listings in our insect category.

Adult lifespan varies by species. Japanese rhinoceros beetles live 2–4 months, Hercules beetles 6–12 months. Stag beetles are longer-lived — Japanese giant stag beetles live 3–5 years. Proper temperature management, clean substrate, and adequate food help maximize lifespan.

Beetles are placed in small containers with wood shavings or paper, then shipped in a cardboard box. Cold packs are included in summer, heat packs in winter. Open the package promptly, transfer to a breeding case, and offer beetle jelly. See our Live Animal Shipping Guide for more details.

No special permit is required for keeping common exotic rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles. However, species designated as Invasive Alien Species are prohibited from being kept or sold. Releasing exotic insects into the wild is also illegal. Confirm with the breeder at purchase and always keep them indoors responsibly.

On BreederDirect, you can buy directly from verified insect breeders. You can get detailed lineage information, making it ideal for breeding purposes. With no middleman markup, you get fair pricing, and our escrow system ensures secure transactions. See our User Guide for details.