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Dorcus grandis
The largest Dorcus species from India/Myanmar. Similar to Japanese giant stag but grows larger.
Dorcus grandis is one of the largest Dorcus stag beetles, native to India, Myanmar, and northern Thailand. The body is glossy black with thick, powerful mandibles. It inhabits deciduous forests, feeding on tree sap. Husbandry closely follows that of the Japanese giant stag: a medium enclosure with ventilated lid, hardwood logs for egg-laying, and fungal substrate bottles for larval rearing—which can produce impressive large specimens. Adults live 1–3 years, an advantage shared with other large Dorcus species. The combination of familiar care requirements, potential for large size, and relationship to the beloved Japanese giant stag make D. grandis a popular gateway into exotic stag beetle keeping.
The Grandis Giant Stag Beetle lives Adult 1-3 years.
The Grandis Giant Stag Beetle grows to 40-90mm.
It closely resembles the Japanese giant stag beetle (Dorcus hopei binodulosus) in body form and coloration, with adults reaching 40–90 mm in body length.
Captive temperature of 20–26°C is recommended.
Origin
India, Myanmar, and northern Thailand
Lifespan
Adult 1-3 years
Size
Captive record (♂)
96.5 mm
Wild record (♂)
91.5 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (grandis moriyai captive 96.5 mm Toshimitsu Sugawara 2024 / wild 91.5 mm)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
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
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 grandis Didier, 1926
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.
Find listings for this species
40-90mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
Care follows that of the Japanese giant stag beetle
Maintain 20-26°C. Like the Japanese giant stag beetle, it keeps steadily indoors as long as extreme heat is avoided.
Feed adults beetle jelly. Adults live a fairly long 1-3 years, and jelly satisfies their taste for sap and fruit juice.
Use sawtooth or konara oak logs for egg laying. Adults are long-lived and breed readily, but selecting large bloodlines matters if you want big specimens.
Raising larvae in fungus bottles can produce large adults. Some grow larger than the Japanese giant stag beetle, and it is approachable even for beginners.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Grandis Giant Stag Beetle is Adult 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Grandis Giant Stag Beetle typically reaches 40-90mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Grandis Giant Stag Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Grandis Giant 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