
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dynastes tityus
Largest beetle in North America. Yellow-green elytra with black spots. Color changes with humidity levels.
The eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus) is a rhinoceros beetle from the eastern United States and a member of the same genus as the Hercules beetle. Males reach about 65 mm and carry a thoracic and a cephalic horn; the elytra are yellow-green to grey-green with scattered black spots. That colour is humidity-dependent — the elytra darken when damp and return to pale green as they dry. Larval development takes one to two years and adults live three to six months. Compared with Hercules and Megasoma species it is easier to keep cool enough and needs less space.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Eastern Hercules Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months, larva 1-2 years.
The Eastern Hercules Beetle grows to Up to 65mm.
The ideal temperature for the Eastern Hercules Beetle is 20〜26℃.
The species does well at ordinary room temperatures of 20-26°C, with adults on beetle jelly and larvae on fermented substrate.
Origin
the Eastern United States
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months, larva 1-2 years
Captive record (♂)
71.1 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Titius Beetle, captive 71.1mm, Jiminey Li 2025, total length including horns)
Notable localities
White rhinoceros beetle from eastern North 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 tityus (Linnaeus, 1763)
Synonyms: Dynastes corniger Sternberg, 1910, Dynastes tityus corniger Sternberg, 1910, Scarabaeus marianus Linnaeus, 1767, Scarabaeus pennsylvanicus Degeer, 1774, Scarabaeus tityus Linnaeus, 1763
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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Size
Up to 65mm
Temperature
20〜26℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva)
It can be kept at an ordinary 20-26°C. The body darkens in high humidity and returns to yellow-green when dry, which is a normal change.
Feed adults beetle jelly. Adults live about 3-6 months, so keep jelly available after emergence.
Fermented substrate in larger containers
Larvae grow in fermented substrate over a 1-2 year larval period. Being smaller than elephant beetles, they need only smaller containers.
Smaller than Hercules but easier to keep
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Eastern Hercules Beetle is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Eastern Hercules Beetle is Adult 3-6 months, larva 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Eastern Hercules Beetle typically reaches Up to 65mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Eastern Hercules Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Eastern 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