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Aegus laevicollis
A small stag beetle with coarse longitudinal ridges on the elytra. Found from Honshu to Okinawa. It lays into fine substrate made from red-rotten pine, so breeding takes a little know-how.
The nebuto stag beetle (Aegus laevicollis) ranges from Honshu to Okinawa, with males 16-33 mm and females 16-18 mm; even large individuals are only around 30 mm. It has coarse longitudinal ridges on the elytra, and male mandibles bear an inward-pointing tooth on the lower edge. Docile by nature, it quickly tucks in its legs and feigns death when disturbed. Adults gather at the sap of oaks and firs, while larvae feed on red-rotten pine or decayed broadleaf wood. Unlike most stag beetles, it is famous for laying eggs into fine substrate made from crumbled red-rotten pine, and will breed across generations if the right egg-laying medium is provided. Small but understatedly attractive, its specialized breeding makes it a popular step-up species for keepers.
Origin
Japan (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Lifespan
Adult about 1 year
Size
Male 16-33mm / Female 16-18mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
55〜70%
Beetle jelly, tree sap
Keep at 20-28°C
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.
Plant Protection Act: 国産(在来)種のため、生体輸入に関わる外来生物法の種類名証明書は不要。
在来種だが、飼育・購入した個体を野外に放すことは避けること。地域個体群の遺伝的撹乱を招く。
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Coarse elytral ridges; inner tooth on lower male mandible
Docile; quickly plays dead when touched
Lays into fine substrate of red-rotten pine — somewhat specialized
Feed on red-rotten pine or broadleaf decayed wood
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Nebuto Stag Beetle is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 55〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Nebuto Stag Beetle is Adult about 1 year. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Nebuto Stag Beetle typically reaches Male 16-33mm / Female 16-18mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Nebuto Stag Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly, tree sap. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Nebuto Stag Beetle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 25, 2026