
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dynastes grantii
A white rhinoceros beetle from North America. Larger than Tityus with beautiful white body color.
Dynastes granti, the western Hercules beetle or Grant's rhinoceros beetle, is the largest beetle native to North America, distributed across the high-altitude conifer forests (1,500–2,500 m) of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah in the southwestern United States. Body coloration is pale gray to white with black markings—among the most elegant of any rhinoceros beetle—and the color shifts with changes in humidity. Males are larger than the closely related D. tityus, reaching 40–80 mm in total length with the characteristic Dynastes paired horns. Females lay eggs in fermented substrate; larvae develop over approximately 1–2 years. Adults eat beetle jelly or banana and live 3–8 months. The combination of striking white coloration, impressive size, and status as a distinctive North American native makes D. granti one of the most desirable exotic rhinoceros beetles in the hobby.
The Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle lives Adult 3-8 months.
The Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle grows to 40-80mm.
Standard beetle husbandry equipment is suitable: a medium to large enclosure with fermented substrate at 22–26°C.
Origin
southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah
Lifespan
Adult 3-8 months
Captive record (♂)
89.1 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Grant Beetle, captive 89.1mm, Tanokura Koumei 2009, total length including horns)
Notable localities
North American white rhinoceros beetle. It becomes white and lighter when dry. 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: Dynastes grantii Horn, 1870
Synonyms: Dynastes tityus granti Horn, 1868
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.
Find listings for this species
Size
40-80mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
The ideal temperature is 22-26°C. As a species from highland conifer forests, avoid summer heat.
Standard beetle keeping setup is fine
Feed adults beetle jelly or banana. Adults live about 3-8 months, so keep jelly available after emergence.
Eggs are laid in fermented substrate. Raise larvae in fermented substrate; the larval period is about 1-2 years.
Body color changes with humidity, interesting trait
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle is Adult 3-8 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle typically reaches 40-80mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Grant's Rhinoceros 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