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Dorcus montivagus
Japan's most alpine stag beetle, living in the beech belt at 1,000-1,600 m. It gnaws willow twigs to draw sap. Requires cool temperatures and is difficult to breed — for advanced keepers.
The himeoo stag beetle (Dorcus montivagus) inhabits high-mountain beech forests at 1,000-1,600 m in Hokkaido, Honshu and Shikoku, and is the most alpine stag beetle in Japan. Males reach 25-58 mm and females 26-42 mm, with an elongated body and long legs. Because few other insects wound trees for sap at such altitudes, this species gnaws the thin twigs of willows and birches with its own mandibles to draw out and drink the seeping sap — a distinctive habit. an insect cooling unit). With much of its biology poorly understood and captive breeding difficult, it is relatively rarely offered even by specialist shops and is best suited to advanced keepers. It is listed in some prefectural Red Data Books, so local rules should be observed when collecting (it is not a species protected under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species, and captive-bred individuals may be traded).
The Himeoo Stag Beetle lives Adult 1-2 years (overwinters).
The Himeoo Stag Beetle grows to Male 25-58mm / Female 26-42mm.
Highly heat-sensitive, it requires cool husbandry around 20°C (e.g.
Origin
high mountains of Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku)
Lifespan
Adult 1-2 years (overwinters)
Size
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.
Plant Protection Act: As a native (indigenous) species, the species identification certificate under the Invasive Species Act is not required for live imports.
Not designated under the Species Conservation Law, and bred individuals may be traded; however, it is listed in Red Data Books in some regions. Releasing captive-bred or purchased individuals into the wild is strictly prohibited as it causes genetic disturbance. Wild collection must comply with local ordinances and rules.
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Male 25-58mm / Female 26-42mm
Temperature
15〜22℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Beetle jelly, tree sap
Heat-sensitive; requires cool keeping around 20°C (cooling unit recommended)
Uniquely gnaws willow and birch twigs to draw and drink sap
High-mountain beech forests at 1,000-1,600 m — Japan's most alpine stag beetle
Difficult to breed over generations; rarely traded
Listed in some regional Red Data Books; respect local rules when collecting
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Himeoo Stag Beetle is Adult 1-2 years (overwinters). With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Himeoo Stag Beetle typically reaches Male 25-58mm / Female 26-42mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Himeoo Stag Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly, tree sap. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Himeoo 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: June 25, 2026