
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Megalorrhina harrisi
Colour varies a great deal between subspecies: the pronotum may be red-brown or greenish and the elytra greenish, bluish or dark brown with white or yellow markings. Males project long horns forward.
Mecynorhina harrisii, long placed in Megalorhina, was described by Westwood in 1847 and measures 30-50 mm. Colour and pattern vary widely: depending on the subspecies the pronotum may be red-brown or greenish, while the elytra are greenish, bluish or dark brown with white or yellow spots and markings. Males project large horns forward. The range is given as Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and GBIF holds most records from the DR Congo and Tanzania, with further material from Cote d'Ivoire and Malawi. Six subspecies are recognised: eximia, eximioides, leptofurcata, peregrina, procera and schaueri. The 2010 revision by De Palma and Frantz reduced Megalorhina to a subgenus of Mecynorhina. Husbandry follows the rest of the genus, on a wood-and-leaf substrate with protein added.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Harris' Flower Beetle lives Adults 6 months to 1 year.
The Harris' Flower Beetle grows to 30-50 mm.
Origin
Central and East Africa (DR Congo, Tanzania, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda and neighbouring countries)
Lifespan
Adults 6 months to 1 year
Size
30-50 mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Sources: Mecynorhina harrisi - Wikipedia (EN; 30-50 mm, colour variation by subspecies, the male's forward-projecting horns, range in Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, six subspecies) / Mecynorhina - Wikipedia (EN; Mecynorrhina is an invalid misspelling under the ICZN, Chelorrhina and Megalorhina are subgenera, five-subgenus arrangement) / GBIF species page for Mecynorhina harrisii (distribution and occurrence records by country) / Ben's Beetle Breeding Pages - Mecynorhina torquata poggei (congener in the same subgenus: prefers cooler temperatures, larval period 12 months to 2 years, flake soil, Gammarus and other protein additives)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
The BE-KUWA certified records do not cover the Cetoniinae, so no record figure exists. The English Wikipedia lists six subspecies but gives no range for each, so no locality is assigned here.
Generation codes
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
Accepted name: Megalorrhina harrisi (Westwood, 1847)
Synonyms: Mecynorhina harrisii (Westwood, 1847), Megalorhina harrisii Westwood, 1847
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
Humidity
60〜80%
Fruit, tree sap and beetle jelly
It comes from African rainforest, so keep it at room temperature with the substrate moist, and let it run slightly drier through pupation.
Larvae grow on a substrate of rotten wood and leaves or on flake soil. Silkworm powder, cat food, Gammarus and similar additives can be used to push for larger beetles, but they readily bring mites and mould. No measured figures for clutch size or larval period have been published for this species.
Males fight with their horns, so keep adults singly and put a pair together only for breeding. Larvae can be raised communally, but crowding at pupation leads to failures.
In the congener Mecynorhina torquata, larval periods of twelve months to two years have been reported.
Importing live beetles requires the species identification certificate demanded for live Scarabaeoidea. Because the subspecies differ so much in colour, choose stock with a stated locality or subspecies and do not breed different subspecies together.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Harris' Flower Beetle is Adults 6 months to 1 year. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Harris' Flower Beetle typically reaches 30-50 mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Harris' Flower Beetle feeds on: Fruit, tree sap and beetle jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Harris' Flower 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 17, 2026