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Chalcosoma atlas hesperus
The Philippine subspecies of the Atlas beetle. Mindanao stock has strongly curved thoracic horns and tends to grow largest in the species, to about 11cm. Aggressive, and even larvae bite.
Chalcosoma atlas hesperus is the Philippine subspecies of the Atlas beetle, found on islands throughout the Philippines from Luzon to Mindanao and Palawan. It was described by Erichson in 1834 as Dynastes hesperus. Males of the species measure 60-120mm and females 25-60mm; Mindanao stock has strongly curved thoracic horns and tends to grow largest in the species, to about 11cm. The Atlas beetle is a lowland species of Southeast Asia and, being abundant, is the cheapest and most heavily imported foreign rhinoceros beetle in Japan. Both sexes are aggressive, males fight readily, and larvae bite fingers brought near them. Small males develop almost no horns (short-horned form), making subspecies identification difficult. Keep at around 25 C; adults live 5-6 months, larvae take 1-2 years, and one breeding set yields roughly 50-80 eggs. The BE-KUWA captive record for Mindanao stock is 110.1mm (2019).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Atlas Beetle (Philippines) lives Adults 5-6 months, larvae 1-2 years.
The Atlas Beetle (Philippines) grows to Males up to about 110mm (60-120mm for the species), females 25-60mm.
The ideal temperature for the Atlas Beetle (Philippines) is 25℃.
Origin
Philippines (Luzon, Mindoro, Negros, Leyte, Samar, Mindanao, Palawan and others)
Sources: Tsukiyono Kinokoen rearing manual (Chalcosoma atlas) / Wikipedia (ja): アトラスオオカブト / Wikipedia (en) Atlas beetle
Captive record (♂)
110.1 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Atlas, Mindanao, captive 110.1mm, Hideyuki Kobayashi, 2019; total length incl. horn)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
BE-KUWA registers records by subspecies/locality; this subspecies is listed as Mindanao at 110.1mm (2019) in the 2025 edition (total length incl. horn). Localities are the islands within the subspecies range that are used as trade names.
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: Chalcosoma atlas hesperus (Erichson, 1834)
Synonyms: Dynastes hesperus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: Live import of foreign Dynastinae requires a species-name certificate issued by a foreign government body under the Invasive Alien Species Act and quarantine at a designated airport under the Plant Protection Act (import by international mail is not permitted).
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / MOE Japan: live import of Scarabaeoidea
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Adults 5-6 months, larvae 1-2 years
Size
Males up to about 110mm (60-120mm for the species), females 25-60mm
Temperature
25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Adults: insect jelly and fruit; larvae: fermented substrate and rotten wood
Keep at around 25 C. A lowland Southeast Asian species, but avoid direct sun and sealed hot humid conditions, and keep the substrate just moist.
Let adults mature for about two months after emergence before pairing. During pairing the male may injure the female, so supervise closely. Females lay in well-fermented substrate, roughly 50-80 eggs per breeding set. Larvae attack one another, so rear them individually.
Both sexes are aggressive and males fight fiercely, so keep adults singly. Do not house with other species.
Adults live 5-6 months and larvae take 1-2 years. To aim for large specimens, rear larvae on nutrient-rich kinoko (mushroom) substrate.
Larvae bite hard enough to draw blood, so handle with gloves. Choose imported stock that came through official channels with a species-name certificate, and never release beetles outdoors.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Atlas Beetle (Philippines) is 25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Atlas Beetle (Philippines) is Adults 5-6 months, larvae 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Atlas Beetle (Philippines) typically reaches Males up to about 110mm (60-120mm for the species), females 25-60mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Atlas Beetle (Philippines) feeds on: Adults: insect jelly and fruit; larvae: fermented substrate and rotten wood. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Atlas Beetle (Philippines) varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026
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