
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dynastes hyllus
The largest of the white rhinoceros beetles, found in Mexico. Glossy pale yellow-brown with a swollen rear that gives it a pear-shaped outline, the male carries a long head horn and thoracic horn, and captive beetles pass 80mm.
Dynastes hyllus is a Mexican member of the genus Dynastes, also called the Hyllus rhinoceros beetle. It is thought to stand in a vicariant relationship with D. grantii in the western United States and D. tityus in the east. It is the largest of the beetles called shirokabuto in Japan, males measuring 42-90mm with records above 97mm. The body is a glossy, bright yellow-brown ranging from strongly yellow to pale bluish-white. The male's head horn and thoracic horn both extend well forward, and in large beetles the thoracic horn can exceed the head horn. The swollen rear, which gives a pear-shaped outline, separates it from its close relatives. It is found mainly between 1,000 and 1,600 metres, with adults appearing from May to November and active chiefly from July to October. Wild beetles are usually 55-60mm and rarely over 70mm, yet captive rearing brings out beetles above 80mm without much difficulty.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle lives Adults 4-8 months.
The Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle grows to Males 42-90mm (recorded above 97mm), females 52-61mm.
The ideal temperature for the Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle is 18℃.
Origin
Mexico (the nominate subspecies in Veracruz, eastern Puebla, Oaxaca and Chiapas)
Captive record (♂)
98.2 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition, large rhinoceros beetle records (Hyllus shiro, nominate subspecies: captive 98.2mm, Shinichi Sugimoto, registered 2012, expected maximum 105mm). The Japanese Wikipedia likewise gives 98.2mm as the longest captive-reared beetle
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Besides the two subspecies above, the Japanese Wikipedia records beetles taken in Hidalgo and in Yucatan that appear to be undescribed subspecies, estimated at 57-84mm and 53-87mm respectively.
Generation codes
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.
Accepted name: Dynastes hyllus Chevrolat, 1843
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Adults 4-8 months
Size
Males 42-90mm (recorded above 97mm), females 52-61mm
Temperature
18℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Adults take beetle jelly; larvae eat fermented substrate
In the wild it occurs mainly between 1,000 and 1,600 metres, and for the congeneric D. grantii it is reported that the beetle cannot survive above 30C. Keep the substrate at a moisture that forms a ball when squeezed.
The female builds an egg chamber in firmly packed substrate at the base of the container. The larvae run about twenty percent larger than those of D. grantii. The BE-KUWA 2025 edition lists a captive record of 98.2mm for the nominate subspecies (Shinichi Sugimoto, registered 2012, expected maximum 105mm).
Adults are kept singly and put together only for pairing. Males fight with their horns and must always be separated. Do not mix beetles of different localities or subspecies.
In the wild adults appear from May to November and are active chiefly from July to October.
In 2001 it was reckoned second only to the congeneric D. satanas in rarity in Japan, but captive-bred beetles now circulate. Wild beetles are usually 55-60mm, so do not expect the size of large captive stock. Importing foreign rhinoceros beetles falls under the Plant Protection Act, and whether a given species may enter depends on the country it comes from, so domestically bred stock is the safe choice.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle is 18℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle is Adults 4-8 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle typically reaches Males 42-90mm (recorded above 97mm), females 52-61mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle feeds on: Adults take beetle jelly; larvae eat fermented substrate. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026