How difficult is it to keep Giraffe Stag Beetle?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Giraffe Stag Beetle?

The ideal temperature for Giraffe Stag Beetle is 22〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Giraffe Stag Beetle?

The average lifespan of Giraffe Stag Beetle is Adult 6-12 months, larva 8-12 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Giraffe Stag Beetle get?

Giraffe Stag Beetle typically reaches Up to 120mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Giraffe Stag Beetle?

Giraffe Stag Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Giraffe Stag Beetle?

The price of Giraffe Stag Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Giraffe Stag Beetle

Intermediate

Prosopocoilus giraffa

Worlds largest stag beetle. Massive 120mm mandibles are overwhelming. Flores Island specimens are largest and most popular.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜27℃

Lifespan

Adult 6-12 months, larva 8-12 months

Size

Up to 120mm

Humidity

60〜80%

Diet

Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva)

About

Prosopocoilus giraffa, the giraffe stag beetle, is the world's largest stag beetle, belonging to the family Lucanidae. It is widely distributed across moist forested regions of Asia from India to Indonesia, with nine recognized subspecies. Males possess exceptionally elongated, serrated mandibles that extend over half their body length, used to overpower rivals in fierce combat. Total length can reach 119 mm in the nominate subspecies, while P. g. keisukei may exceed 120 mm and P. g. daisukei displays the most vivid elytra coloration. Body color ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown. The species is highly aggressive and must be handled with care. Larvae are raised in fermented substrate or fungal substrate bottles. The combination of record size, dramatic mandible form, and subspecies diversity makes the giraffe stag beetle a flagship species among stag beetle enthusiasts.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Giraffe Stag Beetle

The Giraffe Stag Beetle lives Adult 6-12 months, larva 8-12 months.

Adults have a lifespan of 6–12 months.

Size of the Giraffe Stag Beetle

The Giraffe Stag Beetle grows to Up to 120mm.

Temperature & humidity for the Giraffe Stag Beetle

The ideal temperature for the Giraffe Stag Beetle is 22〜27℃.

Captive temperature should be maintained at 22–27°C.

Basic Info

Origin

moist forested regions of Asia, ranging from India to Indonesia

Care Specifications

AggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Easy

Sources: Wikipedia — Giraffe Stag Beetle (JA)

Captive Breeding

Egg-laying

Breeding season: Early summer to summer (adult active season)

Breeding notes

Females lay eggs in fermented wood or substrate; hatched larvae are reared in fermented mat or fungal (mycelium) bottles. After eclosion, adults require several months of dormancy before they are ready to breed.

Breeding requires planning, proper husbandry, and responsibility. These figures are general guidelines.

Sources: Wikipedia — Prosopocoilus giraffa (JA)

Breeding Records & Localities

Captive record (♂)

122 mm

Wild record (♂)

121 mm

Record source: BE-KUWA No. 85 (2023 edition) (keisukei captive 122.0 mm Takayuki Honma 2022 / wild 121.0 mm)

Notable localities

Indonesia (Lesser Sunda Islands, Java, etc.)IndiaSoutheast Asia

Regional subspecies

Prosopocoilus giraffa keisukei — Lesser Sunda Islands (Flores, Lombok, etc.; largest subspecies)
Prosopocoilus giraffa giraffa（nominate subspecies） — India to Indochina
Prosopocoilus giraffa borobudur — Java, Bali, southern Sumatra
Prosopocoilus giraffa daisukei — Philippines (Negros, etc.)
Prosopocoilus giraffa nilgiriensis — Southern India
Prosopocoilus giraffa timorensis — Timor

World's longest stag beetle. The keisukei subspecies represents the maximum size (captive records: keisukei 122.0 / daisukei 119.4 / nominate subspecies 110.8mm). 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.

References & 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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Prosopocoilus giraffa (Olivier, 1789)

Synonyms: Prosopocoilus giraffa, Lucanus girafa Olivier, 1789

Authority databases: GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listed

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.