
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Megasoma actaeon
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. 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. 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)
The Actaeon Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months.
The Actaeon Beetle grows to 50-135mm.
It is the largest species in the genus Megasoma among those lacking dense body hair, with adults reaching 50–140 mm in body length.
Optimal captive temperature is 22–26°C.
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Size
Notable localities
One species of Megasoma beetle. Holds the record for heaviest insect larva by weight (Guinness record), but this is not a body length (mm) record. As registration in BE-KUWA-certified breeding records cannot be confirmed, size records are not listed here.
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, JA)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Megasoma actaeon (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: When importing live specimens of Scarabaeoidea (including rhinoceros beetles, stag beetles, flower beetles, etc.), a species identification certificate issued by the exporting country government agency or equivalent must be attached in accordance with the Invasive Species Act (import ports are limited to Narita, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima airports). This species itself is not a designated invasive species, and import is possible upon submission of the certificate.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment, Invasive Species Act: "Guidance for Those Importing Live Insects in Scarabaeoidea" / CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
50-135mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
Very large larvae require large containers
Keep the temperature at 22-26°C. As a rainforest species it dislikes dry conditions, so mist the substrate to keep it moist.
Feed adults beetle jelly or banana. Adults live only about 3-6 months, so never let the jelly run out after emergence.
Prepare large amounts of leaf mold or fermented substrate for egg laying and larval rearing. The larval stage lasts 18-36 months, so patience is essential.
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 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 bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026