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Dorcus hopei hopei
Nominate subspecies of Hopei stag beetle from mainland China. Differs from Japanese binodulosus with thicker, straighter mandibles. Collected across China with regional variation.
The Chinese form of Hopei stag beetle (Dorcus hopei hopei) is the nominate subspecies distributed across mainland China. Closely related to the Japanese stag beetle (Dorcus hopei binodulosus), it tends to have thicker, straighter mandibles, with morphological variation by locality. It has a glossy black body and a flattened form. Care is stable, using a small to medium enclosure with oviposition logs and fermented substrate. Adults are fed insect jelly, and larvae reared in fungal substrate bottles can grow large.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Chinese Hopei Stag Beetle lives Adult 2-3 years / Larva ~1 year.
A long adult lifespan makes it enjoyable over time, and it remains popular for breeding.
The Chinese Hopei Stag Beetle grows to 25-80mm.
The ideal temperature for the Chinese Hopei Stag Beetle is 18〜25℃.
Origin
mainland China
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 years / Larva ~1 year
Size
25-80mm
Captive record (♂)
83.3 mm
Wild record (♂)
78 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (captive 83.3 mm Kunihiro Suda 2016 / wild 78.0 mm)
Notable localities
Chinese subspecies (Hopei). 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 hopei hopei (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)
20-23°C ideal. Tends to prefer lower temps than Japanese subspecies
Grows large on fungus bottles. Pleurotus type recommended
Set with soft egg-laying wood. Lays in wood
Keep clearly separated from Japanese subspecies to prevent hybridization
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Chinese Hopei Stag Beetle is 18〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Chinese Hopei Stag Beetle is Adult 2-3 years / Larva ~1 year. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Chinese Hopei Stag Beetle typically reaches 25-80mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Chinese Hopei Stag Beetle feeds on: Jelly (adult) / Fungus bottle (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Chinese Hopei 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