
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chalcosoma atlas keyboh
Subspecies of the Atlas beetle from the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo. A large three-horned beetle with greenish-bronze lustre, smaller than the Caucasus beetle but just as fierce. One of the most widely traded entry-level exotic rhinoceros beetles.
Chalcosoma atlas keyboh is the subspecies name given by Nagai (2004) to Atlas beetle populations from the Malay Peninsula through Sumatra to Kalimantan (Borneo); in Japan it is also called the 'Nesia Atlas'. Atlas beetles resemble the Caucasus beetle but are somewhat smaller, with thinner thoracic horns and no basal tooth on the head horn. Males of this subspecies reach about 100mm in Borneo, females 25-60mm, and small males are short-horned with almost no horn development. Both sexes are aggressive and even larvae bite when touched, so adults and larvae are kept singly. The BE-KUWA captive record for keyboh is 94.7mm (2022). The species is imported in large numbers every year and is among the most accessible exotic rhinoceros beetles.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Atlas Beetle (Malay) lives Adults 5-6 months, larvae 1-2 years.
Specialist breeder guidance gives about 25C, a larval period of 1-2 years, an adult lifespan of 5-6 months, maturation in about two months and 50-80 eggs per breeding set.
The Atlas Beetle (Malay) grows to Males up to about 100mm (60-120mm for the species), females 25-60mm.
The ideal temperature for the Atlas Beetle (Malay) is 25℃.
Origin
Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), Nias and nearby islands
Sources: Tsukiyono Kinokoen rearing manual (Chalcosoma atlas) / Wikipedia (ja): Chalcosoma atlas / Wikipedia (en): Atlas beetle
Captive record (♂)
94.7 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Atlas keyboh, captive 94.7mm, Daisuke Fujikawa, 2022; total length incl. horn)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Seven subspecies after Nagai (2004). BE-KUWA registers records by subspecies/locality: keyboh 94.7mm, mantetsu 97.4mm, nominate 100.4mm and Mindanao (hesperus) 110.1mm appear in the 2025 edition. Lengths include the horn.
Generation codes
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 keyboh Nagai, 2004
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: Live Scarabaeoidea beetles (rhinoceros, stag and flower beetles) may be imported into Japan only with a species-name certificate issued by the exporting government under the Invasive Alien Species Act, and only through Narita, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka or Kagoshima airports. This species is not a designated invasive alien species and can be imported with the certificate.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment (Japan): Importing live Scarabaeoidea beetles / CITES Appendices (species not listed)
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 100mm (60-120mm for the species), females 25-60mm
Temperature
25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly (adults), fermented flake soil (larvae)
Keep at around 25C. Manage larval substrate so it forms a ball when squeezed; if water seeps out it is too wet.
Adults mature about two months after eclosion. Use well-fermented, firmly packed substrate; expect 50-80 eggs per set and collect as larvae rather than eggs.
Both sexes are aggressive and males fight hard. Larvae bite and cannibalism has been reported, so house adults and larvae individually.
Adults live 5-6 months and larvae take 1-2 years. Emergence timing between sexes often drifts, so plan pairings accordingly.
Horns and foreleg claws are powerful and can draw blood. Imported stock is traded with a species-name certificate.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Atlas Beetle (Malay) is 25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Atlas Beetle (Malay) is Adults 5-6 months, larvae 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Atlas Beetle (Malay) typically reaches Males up to about 100mm (60-120mm for the species), females 25-60mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Atlas Beetle (Malay) feeds on: Beetle jelly (adults), fermented flake soil (larvae). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Atlas Beetle (Malay) varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026