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Dynastes hercules morishimai
A subspecies from the mountains of La Paz, western Bolivia. Compact and powerfully built, with a stout thoracic horn that curves strongly downward toward the tip and glossy elytra. Females are black.
Dynastes hercules morishimai lives in central La Paz, western Bolivia, with near-identical beetles from Cochabamba and the Yungas; ecuatorianus occupies the lowlands of northern and north-eastern Bolivia. Males measure 70-143 mm in total length and females 50-60 mm. Like baudrii it looks compact and powerful: the cephalic horn is short and deep, the thoracic horn glossy, very stout and strongly curved downward in its front half. Elytra are glossy ochre with many black spots and the body hair is the yellowest of all subspecies. Females are small, rounded and black. The name honours Keiji Morishima, an aphid researcher from Utsunomiya. The habitat was hard to access for security reasons, so almost no live or dead specimens reached Japan when it was described. Keep at 20-26 C and let females lay in fermented substrate; adults live 8-12 months and larvae take 1-1.5 years (females) or 1.5-2 years (males). The BE-KUWA captive record is 143.2 mm (2019).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hercules Morishimai lives Adults 8-12 months.
The Hercules Morishimai grows to Males 70-143 mm / females 50-60 mm.
The ideal temperature for the Hercules Morishimai is 20〜26℃.
Origin
Western Bolivia (central La Paz) and central Bolivia (Cochabamba)
Sources: beetlebreeding.ch - The Breeding/Rearing of Dynastes hercules hercules by Kay / Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules (subspecies list) - Wikipedia (JA)
Captive record (♂)
143.2 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hercules Morishimai, captive 143.2 mm, 平野利之 2019, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Bolivian mountain subspecies. The GBIF backbone lists it as a synonym of ecuatorianus, while BE-KUWA keeps a separate record category. Subspecies status is debated: Ratcliffe (2003) proposed synonymising all subspecies, but BE-KUWA and Ratcliffe's own 2013/2015 works keep the traditional subspecies (ja Wikipedia).
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition PDF, 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 morishimai Nagai, 2002
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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Lifespan
Adults 8-12 months
Size
Males 70-143 mm / females 50-60 mm
Temperature
20〜26℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly, banana
Keep at roughly 20-26 C and avoid Japanese summer heat. From the mountains of western Bolivia; it dislikes stuffy heat.
Females lay in fermented substrate packed 20 cm or deeper. Rear larvae singly in roughly 10 L containers; the larval period is long, 1-1.5 years for females and 1.5-2 years for males, and shortens at higher temperatures.
Basically mild-tempered, but fights over food, so keep singly. Very rarely a male crushes and kills a female, so never leave a pair unattended.
Adults live about 8-12 months. Egg to emergence takes 1.5-2.5 years, so patience is needed.
The thoracic and cephalic horns pinch very hard, so keep fingers clear. A cramped enclosure stresses males and shortens their life. Long-horned males tip over easily, so add footholds.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Hercules Morishimai is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hercules Morishimai is Adults 8-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Morishimai typically reaches Males 70-143 mm / females 50-60 mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Morishimai feeds on: Beetle jelly, banana. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules Morishimai varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026