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Hercules beetle
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. 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. 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)
Origin
the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles
Lifespan
Adult 6-12 months, larva 1-2 years
Size
Up to 180mm (including horn)
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly (adult), fermented substrate (larva)
Captive record (♂)
184.3 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版(種全体最大=原名亜種 飼育184.3mm 黃聖堯 2025、全長=角込み)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
世界最大のカブトムシ。記録は角を含む全長。種全体の飼育レコードは原名亜種が保持(184.3mm)。亜種・産地でサイズ・体型が異なる。飼育レコードは BE-KUWA(むし社)のコンテストで毎年更新される。産地・累代(CBF/WF/WD)・サイズで個体価値が大きく変動する。
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA 認定飼育レコード(むし社、2025年度版)
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Hercules beetle (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: コガネムシ上科(カブトムシ・クワガタムシ・ハナムグリ等)の生きた個体を輸入する際は、外来生物法に基づき輸出国政府機関等が発行する種類名証明書の添付が必要(輸入港は成田・中部・関西・福岡・鹿児島の各空港に限定)。本種自体は特定外来生物ではなく、証明書の添付により輸入可能。
Sources: 環境省 外来生物法「コガネムシ上科に含まれる生きた昆虫を輸入される方へ」 / CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
20-25°C (heat-sensitive)
1-2 years. Large container needed
Larvae consume large amounts of fermented substrate
Do not disturb pupal chamber
Temperature control is critical — use wine cooler etc.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Hercules Beetle is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. 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 morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026