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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. A long adult lifespan makes it enjoyable over time, and it remains popular for breeding.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
mainland China
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 years / Larva ~1 year
Size
25-80mm
Temperature
18〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Jelly (adult) / Fungus bottle (larva)
20-23°C ideal. Tends to prefer lower temps than Japanese subspecies
Captive record (♂)
83.3 mm
Wild record (♂)
78 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版(飼育83.3mm 須田国博 2016 / 野外78.0mm)
Notable localities
中国産亜種(ホペイ)。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)
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 hopei (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
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℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. 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 morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026