
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dorcus antaeus
A large stag beetle from Himalayas. Attractive thick short mandibles and heavy body.
Dorcus antaeus is a large stag beetle of the genus Dorcus, closely related to the Japanese giant stag beetle, distributed across the Himalayan foothills of northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and northern Thailand. It inhabits higher elevations than most Dorcus species. Adults reach 40–90 mm in body length, with a deep glossy black body and thick, somewhat shorter mandibles that give the species a heavy, powerful appearance. As a highland species, low-temperature management at 18–23°C is required. Fungal substrate bottle rearing is effective for larvae and can yield impressively large adults. Egg-laying occurs in hardwood logs. Adults have a long lifespan of 1–3 years—similar to the Japanese giant stag—allowing extended captive enjoyment. Adults eat beetle jelly. The combination of familiar Dorcus husbandry methods, long adult lifespan, potential for large specimens, and a distinctive robust physique makes D. antaeus one of the most popular exotic Dorcus species among collectors.
Origin
Himalayan foothills of northeastern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and northern Thailand
Lifespan
Adult 1-3 years
Size
40-90mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
Captive record (♂)
95.8 mm
Wild record (♂)
88 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版(原名亜種 飼育95.8mm 北村亮人 2025 / 野外88.0mm)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
亜種・産地でサイズ傾向が異なる(飼育レコード: 原名亜種95.8 / インドシナ86.8 / マレー83.2mm)。飼育レコードは BE-KUWA(むし社)のコンテストで毎年更新される。産地・累代(CBF/WF/WD)・サイズで個体価値が大きく変動する。
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA 認定飼育レコード(むし社、2025年度版)
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.
Accepted name: Dorcus antaeus Hope, 1842
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: コガネムシ上科(カブトムシ・クワガタムシ・ハナムグリ等)の生きた個体を輸入する際は、外来生物法に基づき輸出国政府機関等が発行する種類名証明書の添付が必要(輸入港は成田・中部・関西・福岡・鹿児島の各空港に限定)。本種自体は特定外来生物ではなく、証明書の添付により輸入可能。
Sources: 環境省 外来生物法「コガネムシ上科に含まれる生きた昆虫を輸入される方へ」 / CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Low temperature at 18-23°C
Fungus bottle larval rearing effective
Lays eggs in softer egg-laying wood
Heat-sensitive, summer temperature is challenge
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Antaeus Stag Beetle is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Antaeus Stag Beetle is Adult 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Antaeus Stag Beetle typically reaches 40-90mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Antaeus Stag Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Antaeus Stag Beetle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026