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Dorcus bucephalus
A large flat stag beetle found in Indonesia, Philippines, and surrounding areas. Has a presence rivaling the Sumatran giant flat stag, with flattened body and large inner teeth. Relatively stable to keep and a popular exotic species.
Dorcus bucephalus is a large flat stag beetle distributed in Indonesia, notably Java. It features a flattened body, well-developed mandibles, and prominent inner teeth, giving it a robust appearance comparable to the Sumatran giant flat stag. Captive care is relatively stable, using a small to medium enclosure with oviposition logs and fermented substrate. Adults are fed insect jelly, and females lay eggs in hardwood logs such as oak. Larvae reared in fungal substrate bottles or fermented substrate can yield large individuals.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Emperor Flat Stag Beetle lives Adult 1-2 years.
With a relatively long adult lifespan and powerful mandibles, it is a popular exotic flat stag beetle.
The Emperor Flat Stag Beetle grows to 40-100mm.
The ideal temperature for the Emperor Flat Stag Beetle is 20〜27℃.
Origin
Indonesia (notably Java)
Lifespan
Adult 1-2 years
Size
40-100mm
Captive record (♂)
91.6 mm
Wild record (♂)
90 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (Emperor captive 91.6 mm Haruo Watanabe 2014 / wild 90.0 mm)
Notable localities
Captive records are updated annually in the BE-KUWA (Mushi-sha) contest. Individual value varies significantly by locality, generation (CBF/WF/WD), and size.
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, JA)
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: Dorcus bucephalus (Perty, 1831)
Synonyms: Dorcus bucephalus, Dorcus axis Dejean, 1836, Dorcus goliathus Gistel, 1850, Dorcus lateralis Dejean, 1836, Dorcus punctifrons Sturm, 1843, Dorcus urus Dejean, 1836, Lucanus bilunatus Burmeister, 1847, Lucanus bubalus Perty, 1831, Lucanus bucephalus Perty, 1831, Lucanus latus Burmeister, 1847, Lucanus rugifrons Hope, 1845, Lucanus subcostatus Sturm, 1826
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: When importing live specimens of Scarabaeoidea (including rhinoceros beetles, stag beetles, flower beetles, etc.), a species identification certificate issued by the exporting country government agency or equivalent must be attached in accordance with the Invasive Species Act (import ports are limited to Narita, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and Kagoshima airports). This species itself is not a designated invasive species, and import is possible upon submission of the certificate.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment, Invasive Species Act: "Guidance for Those Importing Live Insects in Scarabaeoidea" / CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
20〜27℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Tree sap, beetle jelly
Keep in a small to medium case set up with egg-laying logs and fermented substrate. Feed adults beetle jelly.
Maintain 20-27°C. It is relatively stable to keep and easy to manage as long as the substrate does not dry out.
Can raise in fermented mat or fungal bottle
Eggs are laid in sawtooth or konara oak logs. Adults live a relatively long 1-2 years, giving plenty of breeding opportunities.
Handle with care as large individuals have powerful mandibles
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Emperor Flat Stag Beetle is 20〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Emperor Flat Stag Beetle is Adult 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Emperor Flat Stag Beetle typically reaches 40-100mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Emperor Flat Stag Beetle feeds on: Tree sap, beetle jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Emperor Flat Stag Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026