
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dynastes hercules septentrionalis
A Hercules subspecies distributed through Central America from southern Mexico to northern Panama. The thoracic horn is slender and clearly curved at the base, and the elytral black spots are relatively large. The name means "northern".
Dynastes hercules septentrionalis is the Central American subspecies, ranging from Chiapas in southern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to the Caribbean mountains of northern Panama. Males measure 70-158 mm in total length and females 55-70 mm. The cephalic horn is long with a blunt rod-like subapical process; the thoracic horn is slender, clearly curved at the base, with a large basal process. Elytra are dull yellow-brown with relatively large black spots. Around Alajuela, Costa Rica, it lives at roughly 700-900 m and is most numerous in the May-June rainy season. In 2001 it was the second most imported subspecies in Japan after lichyi. 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 155.1 mm (2021).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hercules Septentrionalis lives Adults 8-12 months.
The Hercules Septentrionalis grows to Males 70-158 mm / females 55-70 mm.
The ideal temperature for the Hercules Septentrionalis is 20〜26℃.
Origin
Central America (Chiapas in southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, northern Panama)
Lifespan
Sources: beetlebreeding.ch - The Breeding/Rearing of Dynastes hercules hercules by Kay / Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules (subspecies list) - Wikipedia (JA)
Captive record (♂)
155.1 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hercules Septentrionalis, captive 155.1 mm, 嘉山 司 2021, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
The Central American subspecies; some researchers treat tuxtlaensis from Veracruz, Mexico as the same subspecies. 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:
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 septentrionalis Lachaume, 1985
Synonyms: Dynastes hercules tuxtlaensis Moron, 1993 (GBIF backbone)
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 70-158 mm / females 55-70 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 Septentrionalis is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hercules Septentrionalis is Adults 8-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Septentrionalis typically reaches Males 70-158 mm / females 55-70 mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Septentrionalis feeds on: Beetle jelly, banana. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules Septentrionalis 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