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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. Highly heat-sensitive, it requires cool husbandry around 20°C (e.g. 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).
Origin
high mountains of Japan (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku)
Lifespan
Adult 1-2 years (overwinters)
Size
Male 25-58mm / Female 26-42mm
Temperature
15〜22℃
Humidity
50〜70%
Beetle jelly, tree sap
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.
Plant Protection Act: 国産(在来)種のため、生体輸入に関わる外来生物法の種類名証明書は不要。
種の保存法の指定種ではなく繁殖個体は流通可だが、一部地域でレッドデータブックに掲載。飼育・購入個体の放虫は遺伝的撹乱を招くため厳禁。野外採集は地域の条例・ルールを順守すること。
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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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 ideal temperature for Himeoo Stag Beetle is 15〜22℃. Recommended humidity is 50〜70%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
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 morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 25, 2026