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Dynastes hercules trinidadensis
An island subspecies from Trinidad and Tobago. The cephalic horn is rather short and thick, the thoracic horn stout and straight, with features intermediate between the nominate form and bleuzeni. Live specimens are very rarely traded.
Dynastes hercules trinidadensis lives on Trinidad and Tobago, and similar beetles have been taken on Grenada. Males measure 70-154 mm in total length and females 55-65 mm. The cephalic horn is rather short and thick with a short apical process and one or two slightly pointed basal processes. The thoracic horn is thick at the base and generally straight, with its process placed closer to the base than in the nominate form. Elytra, pronotal punctures and hair are intermediate between the nominate form and bleuzeni, and some researchers merge it with bleuzeni. The female is undescribed. Named after Trinidad. As of 2002 live beetles were almost never imported and even small specimens fetched high prices. 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 154.4 mm (2013).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hercules Trinidadensis lives Adults 8-12 months.
The Hercules Trinidadensis grows to Males 70-154 mm / females 55-65 mm.
The ideal temperature for the Hercules Trinidadensis is 20〜26℃.
Origin
Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad, Tobago; possibly Grenada)
Lifespan
Sources: beetlebreeding.ch - The Breeding/Rearing of Dynastes hercules hercules by Kay / Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules (subspecies list) - Wikipedia (JA)
Captive record (♂)
154.4 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hercules Trinidadensis, captive 154.4 mm, 滝沢元美 2013, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Island subspecies of Trinidad; some researchers merge it with bleuzeni. 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 trinidadensis Chalumeau & Reid, 1995
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 70-154 mm / females 55-65 mm
Temperature
20〜26℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly, banana
Keep at roughly 20-26 C and avoid Japanese summer heat. An island form from the Caribbean; manage it like the nominate 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 Trinidadensis is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hercules Trinidadensis is Adults 8-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Trinidadensis typically reaches Males 70-154 mm / females 55-65 mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Trinidadensis feeds on: Beetle jelly, banana. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules Trinidadensis 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