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Dynastes hercules occidentalis
A Hercules subspecies from the Pacific side of southern Panama, western Colombia and north-western Ecuador. Its thoracic horn is slender and long; it supported the early-2000s trade alongside lichyi.
Dynastes hercules occidentalis ranges from the Pacific mountains of southern Panama through western Colombia to north-western Ecuador; the name means "western". Males measure 70-164 mm in total length and females 50-75 mm. The cephalic horn is long and fairly straight with a strongly curved apical process; the thoracic horn is slender, its base curved though less than in septentrionalis. Elytra are light yellow to yellow-brown with variable black spots. Intermediates with septentrionalis occur in Panama, so the boundary is unclear. Around 2002, when the nominate form was scarce, it dominated the trade together with lichyi. Husbandry matches other subspecies: keep at 20-26 C and let females lay in fermented substrate. Adults live 8-12 months; larvae take 1-1.5 years (females) or 1.5-2 years (males). The BE-KUWA captive record is 164.2 mm (2019).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hercules Occidentalis lives Adults 8-12 months.
The Hercules Occidentalis grows to Males 70-164 mm / females 50-75 mm.
The ideal temperature for the Hercules Occidentalis is 20〜26℃.
Origin
Southern Panama (Pacific side), western Colombia (Valle del Cauca, Choco), north-western Ecuador
Lifespan
Sources: beetlebreeding.ch - The Breeding/Rearing of Dynastes hercules hercules by Kay / Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules (subspecies list) - Wikipedia (JA)
Captive record (♂)
164.2 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hercules Occidentalis, captive 164.2 mm, 胡志豪 2019, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
The Pacific-side subspecies; intermediates with septentrionalis occur in Panama. 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 occidentalis Lachaume, 1985
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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Adults 8-12 months
Size
Males 70-164 mm / females 50-75 mm
Temperature
20〜26℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly, banana
Keep at roughly 20-26 C and avoid Japanese summer heat. A montane subspecies that 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 Occidentalis is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hercules Occidentalis is Adults 8-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Occidentalis typically reaches Males 70-164 mm / females 50-75 mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Occidentalis feeds on: Beetle jelly, banana. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules Occidentalis 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