
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dorcus hopei binodulosus
The king of Japanese stag beetles. Thick mandibles and jet-black body. Larvae grow large on fungus bottles. Long-lived at 2-3 years.
Dorcus is a large genus of stag beetles in the subfamily Lucaninae, comprising over 100 species distributed primarily across Asia and India, with two species in Europe and two in North America. These beetles inhabit deciduous forests, where larvae develop inside decaying hardwood logs. Males possess powerful, flattened mandibles used in competition for mates and feeding sites, with body lengths ranging from 30–90 mm depending on species. Adults are glossy black and have notably long lifespans of one to three years compared to many other beetles. In captivity, small to medium enclosures with ventilated lids are suitable. Egg-laying occurs inside hardwood logs such as oak, and larvae thrive in fungal substrate bottles, which can produce exceptionally large specimens. Their long adult lifespan and moderate care requirements make Dorcus beetles highly popular among collectors.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Asia and India primarily, with species also found in Europe and North America
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 years / Larva ~1 year
Size
25-85mm
Temperature
18〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Jelly (adult) / Fungus bottle (larva)
Captive record (♂)
94.1 mm
Wild record (♂)
76.6 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版(飼育94.1mm 奈良憲成 2023 / 野外76.6mm)
Notable localities
国産オオクワガタ。能勢YG・久留米などの血統(系統)で大型化が進む。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) / むし社 BE-KUWA 認定飼育レコード(2025年度版 PDF)
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 hopei binodulosus (Saunders, 1854)
Synonyms: Platyprosapus hopei Saunders, 1854
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
Small-medium case. Anti-fungus gnat filter recommended
Females lay in egg wood (oak/konara)
Individual fungus bottles 800-1400ml
Cool temps are key to large size. Keep below 25°C
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Japanese Giant Stag Beetle is 18〜25℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Japanese Giant Stag Beetle is Adult 2-3 years / Larva ~1 year. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Giant Stag Beetle typically reaches 25-85mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Giant Stag Beetle feeds on: Jelly (adult) / Fungus bottle (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Giant 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