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Dynastes hercules
Worlds largest beetle. Massive horns reaching 180mm are breathtaking. Central/South American origin. Dream species for beetle keepers.
Dynastes hercules, the Hercules beetle, is the longest extant beetle species and one of the largest flying insects on Earth. It is native to the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles. Males can reach a total length of up to 180 mm, including their distinctive paired horns—a long cephalic horn and a thoracic horn used to grasp and flip rivals. Elytra color shifts from yellowish-green to black with changing humidity, a unique trait among large beetles. The larval stage lasts one to two years and demands substantial substrate volumes. Females lay 30–50 eggs per clutch in fermented mat. Adults feed on beetle jelly or banana and live approximately 6–12 months. As the undisputed king of beetles, Hercules beetles are the most coveted species among collectors worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hercules Beetle lives Adult 6-12 months, larva 1-2 years.
The Hercules Beetle grows to Up to 180mm (including horn).
The ideal temperature for the Hercules Beetle is 20〜25℃.
Captive husbandry requires an oversized enclosure with fermented substrate at least 20 cm deep, maintained at 20–25°C; temperatures above 28°C are harmful.
Origin
the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles
Captive record (♂)
184.3 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (species overall maximum = nominate subspecies captive-bred 184.3mm Huang Sheng-Yao 2025, total length = including horns)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
The world's largest rhinoceros beetle. Records are total length including horns. The captive-breeding record for the entire species is held by the nominate subspecies (184.3mm). Size and body form vary by subspecies and locality. Captive-breeding records are updated annually through BE-KUWA (Mushi-sha) contests. Individual value fluctuates significantly based on locality, generation (CBF/WF/WD), and size.
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: Dynastes hercules (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Dynastes hercules var. caribaea Stehlé & Stehlé, 1958, Dynastes hercules var. niger Endrödi, 1947, Scarabaeus hercules Linnaeus, 1758
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
Lifespan
Adult 6-12 months, larva 1-2 years
Size
Up to 180mm (including horn)
Temperature
20〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva)
1-2 years. Large container needed
Temperature control is critical — use wine cooler etc.
Keep at 20-25°C. It is very heat-sensitive, so avoid 28°C and above. Body color shifts from yellow-green to black with humidity.
Use an extra-large case with fermented substrate at least 20 cm deep. Larvae consume large amounts, so keep replenishing it.
Adults like beetle jelly and banana. Larvae feed on fermented substrate, so provide good-quality substrate.
It lays in substrate, and one female yields 30-50 eggs. Do not dig around at emergence so the pupal chamber stays intact.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Hercules Beetle is 20〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Hercules Beetle is Adult 6-12 months, larva 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Hercules Beetle typically reaches Up to 180mm (including horn) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hercules Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hercules 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