
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Eupatorus gracilicornis
Unique beetle with five horns on head and thorax. Southeast Asian origin. Relatively small and easy to keep.
Beetles of the genus Golofa are mid-sized rhinoceros beetles native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Males bear slender, elongated horns on both the head and thorax, giving them a distinctive silhouette unlike typical rhinoceros beetles. Golofa beetles are considered one of the more beginner-friendly exotic rhinoceros beetles, making them an excellent entry point into the hobby. Females lay eggs in fermented substrate; larvae develop over approximately 6–10 months. Adults eat beetle jelly and live 3–6 months. Their compact size, unusual horn shape, and straightforward care requirements make them popular among new beetle keepers.
The Five-horned Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months, larva 6-10 months.
The Five-horned Beetle grows to Up to 60mm.
Body length reaches approximately 40–60 mm, and coloration is glossy black to dark brown.
The ideal temperature for the Five-horned Beetle is 22〜27℃.
Captive temperature of 22–27°C is appropriate, and a medium enclosure with fermented substrate is sufficient.
Origin
tropical rainforests of Central and South America
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.
Find listings for this species
Size
Up to 60mm
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.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
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 Up to 60mm 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: August 31, 2026