How difficult is it to keep Scaly stag beetle?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

How large does Scaly stag beetle get?

Scaly stag beetle typically reaches Males up to about 25mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Scaly stag beetle?

Scaly stag beetle feeds on: Adults visit flowers (beetle jelly in captivity); larvae eat rotten wood. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Scaly stag beetle?

The price of Scaly stag beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Scaly stag beetle

Intermediate

Cacostomus squamosus

A small stag beetle of the eastern coastal forests of Australia; males reach about 25mm. The species name means scaly. Unusually for a stag beetle it is active by day and visits flowers.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

20〜28℃

Lifespan

Little data

Size

Males up to about 25mm

Humidity

60〜80%

Diet

Adults visit flowers (beetle jelly in captivity); larvae eat rotten wood

About

Cacostomus squamosus Newman, 1840 is a small stag beetle from Australia, with males reaching about 25mm. The species name squamosus is Latin for scaly, and Lucanus rotundicollis Westwood, 1842 is treated as a synonym. It lives in the coastal forests of eastern Australia; GBIF records are mostly from Queensland, with some from New South Wales. Unusually for a stag beetle it is diurnal and is found on flowers, while the larvae, like those of most stag beetles, develop in decaying wood. Little has been published on keeping it or on its life history, but stock from northern Queensland has been bred in Japan, and adults and larvae have been sold by specialist shops. Because it is active by day and visits flowers, unlike the typical sap-feeding, nocturnal stag beetle, its set-up should allow for daytime activity. The BE-KUWA 2025 edition has no record for it, and size data are scarce. Stock available in Japan is mainly captive-bred.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Scaly stag beetle

The Scaly stag beetle grows to Males up to about 25mm.

Basic Info

Origin

Eastern Australia (Queensland, New South Wales)

Lifespan

Little data

Size

Males up to about 25mm

Temperature

20〜28℃

Humidity

60〜80%

Diet

References & Sources

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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Cacostomus squamosus Newman, 1840

Synonyms: Lucanus rotundicollis Westwood, 1842

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

Many live foreign Scarabaeoidea (stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, flower chafers and relatives) are quarantine pests whose import is banned under Japan's Plant Protection Act, and even importable species require a species-name certificate from a foreign government body under the Invasive Alien Species Act (entry only via designated airports, never by international post). Whether a species may enter must be checked with the Plant Protection Station in advance, so choose domestically bred stock and never release captive beetles.

Sources: Plant Protection Station: Importing Scarabaeoidea (JA) / Plant Protection Station: Importing live insects (JA) / Ministry of the Environment: List of invasive alien species (JA) / Species+ CITES query (no listing)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.