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Elephant beetle
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. 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. 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)
Origin
tropical rainforests from Mexico to Venezuela in Central and northern South America
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Size
50-130mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly, Banana
Sources: Wikipedia ゾウカブト
Captive record (♂)
134 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版(エレファスゾウ・中米タイプ 飼育134.0mm 山崎透 2025、全長=角込み)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
体表に黄褐色の微毛をまとう大型ゾウカブト(飼育レコード: 中米タイプ134.0 / イイジマタイプ124.0mm)。飼育レコードは BE-KUWA(むし社)のコンテストで毎年更新される。産地・累代(CBF/WF/WD)・サイズで個体価値が大きく変動する。
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA 認定飼育レコード(むし社、2025年度版)
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Elephant beetle (Fabricius, 1775)
Synonyms: Megasoma elephas iijimai Nagai, 2003, Scarabaeus elephas Fabricius, 1775
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: コガネムシ上科(カブトムシ・クワガタムシ・ハナムグリ等)の生きた個体を輸入する際は、外来生物法に基づき輸出国政府機関等が発行する種類名証明書の添付が必要(輸入港は成田・中部・関西・福岡・鹿児島の各空港に限定)。本種自体は特定外来生物ではなく、証明書の添付により輸入可能。
Sources: 環境省 外来生物法「コガネムシ上科に含まれる生きた昆虫を輸入される方へ」 / CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
幼虫が非常に大きくなるため大型容器必須
温度は22〜27℃が適温
幼虫期間は12〜18ヶ月
マットは深さ20cm以上必要
成虫は温厚で扱いやすい
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Elephant Beetle is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
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 morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: July 3, 2026