
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chalcosoma chiron belangeri
Continental subspecies of the Caucasus beetle from Indochina and Langkawi. One of Asia's largest three-horned beetles, with fairly thick, gently curved thoracic horns. Heat-sensitive and extremely combative.
Chalcosoma chiron belangeri is the continental subspecies of the Caucasus beetle, found in Indochina and on Langkawi Island and known to Japanese hobbyists as the 'Tairiku' (mainland) Caucasus. Males measure 55-127mm and females 55-65mm; in size and form it resembles the Malayan subspecies kirbyi, with fairly thick, gently curved thoracic horns. The species inhabits tropical highland forest at 800-2,000m, is the largest Chalcosoma and, with Hercules, is called the strongest beetle in the world. Its aggression stands out even among giant beetles: males attack not only rivals but also females that refuse to mate, so both sexes are housed singly and pairings are brief and supervised. Larvae are also combative and bite hard. Being a highland insect it dislikes heat; the ideal is given as 15-20C, or about 25C by specialist shops, and either way it cannot survive a Japanese summer without air conditioning. Adults live up to about six months in captivity and larvae take 1-2 years, often emerging as short-horned adults despite large bodies. The BE-KUWA 2025 captive record for the mainland form is 129.4mm (2025), with Sumatra 118.5mm, Malay 128.1mm and the nominate form 119.6mm registered separately.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) lives Adults 3-4 months, larvae 1-2 years.
The Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) grows to Males 55-127mm, females 55-65mm.
The ideal temperature for the Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) is 20〜25℃.
Sources: Tsukiyono Kinokoen rearing manual (Chalcosoma chiron) / Wikipedia (ja): Chalcosoma chiron / Wikipedia (en): Chalcosoma chiron
Captive record (♂)
129.4 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Caucasus, mainland form, captive 129.4mm, Seitetsu Fujii, 2025; total length incl. horn)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
BE-KUWA registers records by locality: mainland 129.4mm, Malay 128.1mm, nominate 119.6mm and Sumatra 118.5mm in the 2025 edition. Lengths include the horn. The mainland form is uncommon; most trade stock is Javan, Sumatran or Malayan.
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 chiron belangeri (Guérin-Méneville, 1834)
Synonyms: Scarabaeus belangeri Guérin-Méneville, 1834, Chalcosoma caucasus belangeri
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.
Find listings for this species
Origin
Indochina (Thailand, Vietnam) and Langkawi Island
Lifespan
Adults 3-4 months, larvae 1-2 years
Size
Males 55-127mm, females 55-65mm
Temperature
20〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly (adults), fermented flake soil (larvae)
A highland species that dislikes heat: 15-20C is recommended, or about 25C by specialist shops. Keep at 20-25C under air conditioning in summer.
Adults mature about two months after eclosion; expect 50-80 eggs per set in well-fermented substrate. Eggs handled early often fail, so collect as larvae.
Aggressive enough to kill rival males and even unreceptive females. House both sexes singly and pair only briefly under observation.
Adults live 3-4 months in captivity and larvae 1-2 years. About two months after activity begins, ageing signs such as tarsal loss appear.
The rear edge of the pronotum is blade-like and can cut a finger; larvae also bite hard. Imports are traded with a species-name certificate.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) is Adults 3-4 months, larvae 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) typically reaches Males 55-127mm, females 55-65mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) feeds on: Beetle jelly (adults), fermented flake soil (larvae). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Caucasus Beetle (belangeri) 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