
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Actaeon beetle
One of South America's largest elephant beetles. A heavyweight alongside Elephas, with giant larvae.
Megasoma actaeon, the actaeon beetle, is a large rhinoceros beetle of the family Scarabaeidae, distributed across tropical rainforests of northern and central South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. It is the largest species in the genus Megasoma among those lacking dense body hair, with adults reaching 50–140 mm in body length. The species name honors Actaeon, the hunter of Greek mythology. Body coloration is a lustrous dark brown to black. As with other Megasoma species, larvae grow to substantial size, requiring very large enclosures and abundant leaf litter or fermented substrate, which must be replenished regularly over the lengthy larval period of 18–36 months. Optimal captive temperature is 22–26°C. Adults eat beetle jelly or banana and live approximately 3–6 months. Alongside the elephant beetle, M. actaeon represents the pinnacle of heavyweight rhinoceros beetles and is a prestigious challenge species for advanced keepers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Size
50-135mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
Very large larvae require large containers
Notable localities
ゾウカブトの一種。幼虫体重では世界最重級(ギネス記録の最重量昆虫幼虫)だが、これは体長(mm)記録ではない。BE-KUWA 認定飼育レコードに登録が確認できないためサイズ記録は未掲載。
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA 認定飼育レコード(むし社、2025年度版)
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Actaeon beetle (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Geotrupes crenatus Leach, 1817, Megasoma actaeon johannae Van Meenen & Schouteet, 2018, Megasoma acteon (Linnaeus, 1758), Megasoma rex Prandi, 2018, Scarabaeus actaeon Linnaeus, 1758
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: コガネムシ上科(カブトムシ・クワガタムシ・ハナムグリ等)の生きた個体を輸入する際は、外来生物法に基づき輸出国政府機関等が発行する種類名証明書の添付が必要(輸入港は成田・中部・関西・福岡・鹿児島の各空港に限定)。本種自体は特定外来生物ではなく、証明書の添付により輸入可能。
Sources: 環境省 外来生物法「コガネムシ上科に含まれる生きた昆虫を輸入される方へ」 / CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
22-26°C is optimal
Larval period is long at 18-24 months
Consumes large amount of substrate, watch costs
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Actaeon Beetle is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Actaeon Beetle is Adult 3-6 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Actaeon Beetle typically reaches 50-135mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Actaeon Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Actaeon Beetle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026