
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dynastes hercules lichyi
A Colombian Hercules beetle subspecies. Popular for long straight horns.
Dynastes hercules lichyi is consistently the most widely available and popular Hercules beetle subspecies in the global hobby. Native to the highlands of Colombia and Ecuador, males reach 80–170 mm in total length—second only to the nominate Guadeloupe subspecies in maximum size. The thoracic horn is characteristically long and straight, which many enthusiasts consider the most aesthetically pleasing horn form of any Hercules subspecies. Elytra coloration shifts between yellowish-green and black with humidity changes. An extra-large enclosure with at least 20 cm of fermented substrate is required. Egg-laying occurs in the substrate; larvae develop over 12–24 months. Adults eat beetle jelly or banana and live 6–12 months. More accessible in price and availability than the nominate subspecies while still capable of producing 150 mm-plus specimens, D. h. lichyi is the definitive entry point for serious Hercules beetle breeding.
The Hercules Lichyi lives Adult 6-12 months.
The Hercules Lichyi grows to 80-170mm.
Optimal captive temperature is 20–25°C; heat above 28°C is avoided.
Origin
highlands of Colombia and Ecuador
Lifespan
Adult 6-12 months
Size
Captive record (♂)
180.7 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hercules rickyii, captive 180.7mm, inohiro109 2022, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Andes-derived subspecies. Long regarded as the largest, but currently ranks second to the nominate subspecies (184.3mm). 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 lichyi (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.
Find listings for this species
80-170mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
Keep in an extra-large case with at least 20cm of fermented substrate. Long-horned males tip over easily, so add footholds.
20-25°C is suitable; avoid heat. Being from the highlands of Colombia and Ecuador, watch for rising temperatures in summer.
Feed adults beetle jelly or banana. Adults live about 6-12 months; do not let the jelly run out.
Eggs are laid in the fermented substrate. The larval period is a long 12-24 months, so patience is needed until emergence.
Second largest subspecies after nominate
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Hercules Lichyi is Adult 6-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Lichyi typically reaches 80-170mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Lichyi feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules Lichyi 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