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Dynastes hercules paschoali
Found in Bahia and Espirito Santo in north-eastern Brazil, the most south-easterly of all subspecies. It lacks basal processes on the cephalic horn, and the glossy olive-green elytra carry few black spots.
Dynastes hercules paschoali lives in south-eastern Bahia and north-eastern Espirito Santo in north-eastern Brazil, the most south-easterly subspecies. It is regarded as the lowest-altitude form and has been observed near sea level at Olivenca, Bahia. Males measure 85-149 mm in total length and females 50-63 mm. The cephalic horn curves fairly strongly in its front half with a hooked tip, and basal processes are absent or tiny. The thoracic horn is straight; the elytra are rather glossy olive green with few or no black spots, and the body hair is whitish yellow. The name honours Paschoal, son of co-author Grossi; locals call it serrador or bicudo. Brazil restricts insect collecting and export, so live imports are extremely rare. 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 149.0 mm (2022).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hercules Paschoali lives Adults 8-12 months.
The Hercules Paschoali grows to Males 85-149 mm / females 50-63 mm.
The ideal temperature for the Hercules Paschoali is 20〜26℃.
Origin
North-eastern Brazil (south-eastern Bahia, north-eastern Espirito Santo)
Lifespan
Sources: beetlebreeding.ch - The Breeding/Rearing of Dynastes hercules hercules by Kay / Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules (subspecies list) - Wikipedia (JA)
Captive record (♂)
149 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hercules Paschoali, captive 149.0 mm, 桑原 治 2022, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Lowland subspecies of eastern Brazil; like takakuwai it lacks basal processes on the cephalic horn. Brazilian collecting restrictions make live imports extremely scarce. 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 paschoali Grossi & Arnaud, 1993
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
Adults 8-12 months
Size
Males 85-149 mm / females 50-63 mm
Temperature
20〜26℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly, banana
Keep at roughly 20-26 C and avoid Japanese summer heat. A lowland subspecies found near sea level, but in captivity avoid heat as with other subspecies.
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 Paschoali is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hercules Paschoali is Adults 8-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Paschoali typically reaches Males 85-149 mm / females 50-63 mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Paschoali feeds on: Beetle jelly, banana. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules Paschoali 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