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Dynastes hercules hercules
The nominate subspecies of king of beetles Hercules. From Guadeloupe, grows largest.
Dynastes hercules hercules, the nominate subspecies of the Hercules beetle, is native to the Lesser Antilles islands of Guadeloupe, Dominica, and adjacent islands in the Caribbean. Among all 17 recognized Hercules beetle subspecies, the nominate is the largest, with males reaching a maximum total length of 180 mm—making it the longest beetle species on Earth. The thoracic horn is notably long and straight, and elytra color shifts from yellowish-green to black with humidity. An extra-large enclosure with fermented substrate at least 20 cm deep is required. Females lay 30–50 eggs per clutch; larvae take 12–24 months to develop. Adults eat beetle jelly or banana and live 6–12 months. Due to its restricted island range, limited availability, and status as the largest and most prestigious Hercules subspecies, D. h. hercules commands the highest prices in the hobby and represents the ultimate achievement for Hercules beetle breeders.
The Hercules Beetle Nominate lives Adult 6-12 months.
The Hercules Beetle Nominate grows to 100-180mm.
Captive temperature must be maintained at 20–25°C; temperatures above 28°C are harmful.
Origin
Lesser Antilles islands of the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Dominica
Lifespan
Adult 6-12 months
Captive record (♂)
184.3 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hercules hercules, captive 184.3mm, Huang Sheng-Yao 2025, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Nominate subspecies. Holds the captive record for the entire Hercules species (184.3mm), exceeding Rickey (180.7mm). Records include total length including horns. Captive breeding records are updated annually in BE-KUWA (Mushi-sha) contests. Individual value varies significantly based on locality, generation (CBF/WF/WD), and size.
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, JA) / Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules (subspecies list) — Wikipedia (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.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Dynastes hercules hercules (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Dynastes hercules var. caribaea Stehlé & Stehlé, 1958, Dynastes hercules var. niger Endrödi, 1947, Scarabaeus hercules Linnaeus, 1758
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.
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Size
100-180mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
Use an extra-large case with at least 20cm of fermented substrate. As one of the world's longest beetles, adults also need ample space.
Ideally keep at 20-25°C and avoid heat above 28°C. In summer use a cool room or air conditioning to hold the temperature.
Feed adults beetle jelly or banana. Adults live about 6-12 months, so keep jelly available at all times.
Eggs are laid in substrate, with 30-50 eggs from a single female. The larval period is about 12-24 months.
Largest subspecies. 150mm+ specimens are the goal
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Hercules Beetle Nominate is Adult 6-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Beetle Nominate typically reaches 100-180mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Beetle Nominate feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules Beetle Nominate 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