
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dorcus titanus
A large stag beetle distributed throughout Japan. Characterized by powerful mandibles and flat body, popular for beetle fighting.
Dorcus titanus, the giant flat stag beetle, is widely distributed from Southeast Asia to Japan, with Japanese subspecies from Kyushu and the Southwest Islands being particularly large. The body is notably broad and flattened—characteristic of the "hira-ta" (flat) name—with thick, powerful mandibles and body length of 30–80 mm. Coloration is a glossy jet black. This species is highly aggressive; solitary housing is strongly recommended, as conspecifics and other beetles will fight. Captive temperatures around room temperature (20–28°C) are adequate, making it relatively straightforward to maintain. Egg-laying occurs in hardwood logs or fermented substrate; larvae thrive in both fungal substrate bottles and fermented substrate. Adults live 1–3 years. Selective breeding targeting large mandible size and body length is actively practiced in Japan. Its combination of manageable care, long adult lifespan, fighting prowess, and potential for large size make it one of Japan's most popular stag beetles. In terms of lifespan, they form a long-lived group second only to giant stag beetles among Japanese species, living 1–3 years in captivity, with some reaching nearly 4 years under good overwintering care. They excel at hibernating as adults, and the quickest path to longevity is letting them burrow into substrate at 10–15°C in a quiet place once fall appetite drops. The main factors shortening lifespan are summer heat exceeding 30°C and exhaustion or damage from fighting, making temperature management around 25°C and individual housing the keys to a long life. Note that imported subspecies like Sumatra and Palawan struggle with overwintering and typically live 1–2 years.
Origin
Southeast Asia to Japan, including Kyushu and the Southwest Islands
Lifespan
Adult 1-3 years
Size
30-80mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
Sources: Wikipedia ヒラタクワガタ
Breeding season: Early summer to summer (adult active season)
Breeding notes
Females lay eggs in fermented wood or substrate; hatched larvae are reared in fermented mat or fungal (mycelium) bottles. After eclosion, adults require several months of dormancy before they are ready to breed.
Breeding requires planning, proper husbandry, and responsibility. These figures are general guidelines.
Sources: Wikipedia ヒラタクワガタ / クワガタ図鑑 - ヒラタクワガタの卵の個数 / クワガタ図鑑 - ヒラタクワガタの孵化期間
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
ヒラタクワガタは産地ごとに約20数亜種に分化し、飼育レコードは亜種で大きく異なる(パラワン115.3 / スマトラ110.3 / フィリピン109.0 / 本土は別記)。各亜種ページを参照。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 titanus (Boisduval, 1835)
Synonyms: Dorcus titanus, Lucanus titanus Boisduval, 1835
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
60〜80%
Insect jelly
気性が荒いため単独飼育推奨
温度は室温で問題ない
菌糸ビンで大型個体を狙える
樹液採集で最もよく見る種の一つ
大顎の挟む力が強いので注意
Adults live 1-3 years — long-lived for a beetle. Cooler temperatures (20-23°C) generally extend lifespan; sustained heat above 28°C shortens it. Japanese subspecies overwinter naturally, so reduced winter activity is normal. Larval period is approximately 6-12 months; fungal substrate bottles produce larger adults. The long adult lifespan allows multiple breeding seasons.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Flat Stag Beetle is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Flat Stag Beetle is Adult 1-3 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Flat Stag Beetle typically reaches 30-80mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Flat Stag Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Flat Stag Beetle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: July 18, 2026