
AI-generated image
Megasoma elephas
The world's heaviest class of beetle. Stocky body and small horn reminiscent of an elephant.
Megasoma elephas, the elephant beetle, is a large Neotropical rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Dynastinae, distributed across tropical rainforests from Mexico to Venezuela. It is renowned as the heaviest beetle in the world by larval mass, with larvae sometimes exceeding 100 g. Because larvae grow exceptionally large, housing must be spacious, and substantial quantities of leaf litter or fermented substrate are required throughout the lengthy larval period of 18–36 months. Egg-laying occurs in fermented substrate. Adults are fed beetle jelly or banana and live approximately 3–6 months. The elephant beetle's massive proportions and the scale of husbandry required make it a rewarding challenge for experienced beetle keepers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Elephant Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months.
The Elephant Beetle grows to 50-130mm.
Males bear both cephalic and thoracic horns and reach 50–130 mm in body length; the entire body is densely covered with fine hairs, a characteristic feature of the genus Megasoma.
Optimal captive temperature is 22–27°C.
Origin
tropical rainforests from Mexico to Venezuela in Central and northern South America
Captive record (♂)
134 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Elephant Beetle, Central American type, captive 134.0mm, Yamazaki Toru 2025, total length including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Large elephant beetle with yellowish-brown fine setae on the body surface (captive records: Central American type 134.0 / Iijima type 124.0mm). 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: Megasoma elephas (Fabricius, 1775)
Synonyms: Megasoma elephas iijimai Nagai, 2003, Scarabaeus elephas Fabricius, 1775
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
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Size
50-130mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly, Banana
Larvae grow very large, so a big container is essential
The ideal temperature is 22-27°C. As a rainforest species it dislikes dryness, so keep the substrate moist.
Feed adults beetle jelly or banana. Adults live only about 3-6 months, so keep jelly available at all times.
Eggs are laid in substrate; prepare large amounts of leaf mold or fermented substrate. The larval period is a very long 18-36 months.
Adults are docile and easy to handle. Larvae can exceed 100g, so lay the substrate deep and plan for large replacement volumes.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Elephant Beetle is Adult 3-6 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Elephant Beetle typically reaches 50-130mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Elephant Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly, Banana. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Elephant 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