
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. 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.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Japanese Giant Stag Beetle lives Adult 2-3 years / Larva ~1 year.
Adults are glossy black and have notably long lifespans of one to three years compared to many other beetles. Their long adult lifespan and moderate care requirements make Dorcus beetles highly popular among collectors.
The Japanese Giant Stag Beetle grows to 25-85mm.
Males possess powerful, flattened mandibles used in competition for mates and feeding sites, with body lengths ranging from 30–90 mm depending on species.
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
Captive record (♂)
94.1 mm
Wild record (♂)
76.6 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (captive 94.1 mm Kensei Nara 2023 / wild 76.6 mm)
Notable localities
Japanese large stag beetle. Larger size is advancing through bloodlines (strains) such as Nose YG and Kurume. 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.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Dorcus hopei binodulosus (Saunders, 1854)
Synonyms: Platyprosapus hopei Saunders, 1854
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
18〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Jelly (adult) / Fungus bottle (larva)
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 bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026