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Dynastes maya
White rhinoceros beetle from Central America. Related to Hercules beetle with white to yellow elytra. Medium adult size, easier to keep than Hercules.
Dynastes maya is a pale-colored rhinoceros beetle of Central America, a close relative of the Hercules beetle within the genus Dynastes. Its whitish to yellowish elytra show beautifully under dry conditions, and it is medium-sized for the genus. Care is comparatively easier than the Hercules beetle, using a medium enclosure with deep fermented substrate. Adults are fed insect jelly, and females oviposit within the substrate; larvae develop in fermented substrate. Because elytral color is affected by humidity, avoiding excessive moisture helps maintain its appearance. It is a popular, collectible species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Maya Hercules Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months / Larva 12-18 months.
The Maya Hercules Beetle grows to 50-80mm.
The ideal temperature for the Maya Hercules Beetle is 20〜25℃.
Origin
Central America
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months / Larva 12-18 months
Size
50-80mm
Captive record (♂)
104.2 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Maya Beetle, captive 104.2mm, Sugihara Yuuichi 2012, total length including horns)
Notable localities
White rhinoceros beetle from Central America. Captive breeding records are updated annually in BE-KUWA (Mushi-sha) contests. Individual value varies significantly based on locality, generation (CBF/WF/WD), and size.
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, 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.
Accepted name: Dynastes maya Hardy, 2003
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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Temperature
20〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Jelly (adult) / Fermented mat (larva)
Maintain 20-25°C. Sensitive to high temperatures
Raise in fermented mat. Low temperature management key
Tightly pack fine-particle fermented mat
Elytra color changes with humidity. Turns white when dry
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Maya Hercules Beetle is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Maya Hercules Beetle is Adult 3-6 months / Larva 12-18 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Maya Hercules Beetle typically reaches 50-80mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Maya Hercules Beetle feeds on: Jelly (adult) / Fermented mat (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Maya Hercules Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026