
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Eupatorus gracilicornis
A rhinoceros beetle of mainland Southeast Asia with five horns: one long horn on the head and four on the pronotum. The elytra are cream to yellow. It is the largest member of its genus, with males exceeding 60 mm, and despite the impressive horns it is docile.
The five-horned rhinoceros beetle (Eupatorus gracilicornis) is a dynastine beetle ranging from Assam in northeast India through Indochina to southern China, described by Arrow in 1908. It has been recorded from China, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Malaysia. Males carry five horns, one long horn on the head and four on the pronotum, which give the species both its Japanese and English names. The body is glossy black and the elytra of both sexes are cream to yellow. It is the largest species in the genus Eupatorus, with males reported at 60-96.5 mm and females at 35-55 mm, and Thai specimens tend to be larger. It is common in bamboo groves, feeding on the sap of young bamboo shoots as well as tree sap and fruit, and adults appear in autumn (around September). Despite the impressive horns it is docile and not combative. Adults are short-lived, from a few months to about half a year. In captivity it breeds and its larvae can be reared in fermented substrate, and adults are fed beetle jelly.
The Five-horned Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months, larva 6-10 months.
The Five-horned Beetle grows to Male 60-96.5mm, female 35-55mm.
The ideal temperature for the Five-horned Beetle is 22〜27℃.
Origin
Northeast India (Assam) through Indochina to southern China
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months, larva 6-10 months
Captive record (♂)
96.5 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Gohontsuno-Purandi captive 96.5 mm Ryo Miura 2021, total length = including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Five-horned rhinoceros beetle (Eupatorus gracilicornis, not Golofa). Captive breeding records: Pluandi 96.5 / nominate subspecies 93.4 mm. Records measure total length including horns. Captive records are updated annually through the BE-KUWA (Mushi-sha) contest. Individual value varies significantly based on locality, generation (CBF/WF/WD), and size.
Generation codes
Sources:
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: Eupatorus gracilicornis Arrow, 1908
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
Male 60-96.5mm, female 35-55mm
Temperature
22〜27℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva)
Keep at 22-27°C. Although it comes from Central and South American rainforest, avoid extreme heat and keep the room temperature stable.
It can be kept in a medium case with fermented substrate. It needs less space than the giant species and is easy to manage compactly.
Feed adults beetle jelly. Larvae grow by eating the fermented substrate, so keep the substrate in good condition.
It lays in fermented substrate and breeds relatively easily. Larvae take about 6-10 months to emerge.
Adults live about 3-6 months. It is easy to keep and works well as a first exotic rhinoceros beetle.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Five-horned Beetle is 22〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Five-horned Beetle is Adult 3-6 months, larva 6-10 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Five-horned Beetle typically reaches Male 60-96.5mm, female 35-55mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Five-horned Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Five-horned 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 25, 2026