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Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle
IntermediateDorcus titanus pilifer
Iconic Japanese stag beetle with pronounced mandibles in males, prized for aggressive demeanor and striking appearance. Larvae develop in decaying broadleaf wood; suitable for beginner beetle keepers with proper substrate management.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
Adult 1-3 years / Larva 8-12 months
Size
25-75mm
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Jelly (adult) / Fungus bottle or fermented mat (larva)
About
The Japanese flat stag beetle (a Japanese subspecies of Dorcus titanus) is one of Japans representative stag beetles, with males prized for their flat, sturdy bodies and well-developed mandibles. It ranges widely from Honshu to the southwestern islands, and size differences among localities and lineages are enjoyed by hobbyists. It is aggressive with a strong pinch. Husbandry uses a small to medium enclosure with oviposition logs and fermented substrate. Adults are fed insect jelly, and larvae can be reared in hardwood logs or fungal substrate bottles.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle
The Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle lives Adult 1-3 years / Larva 8-12 months.
With a relatively long adult lifespan, it is a staple native stag beetle kept by beginners and experts alike.
Size of the Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle
The Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle grows to 25-75mm.
Temperature & humidity for the Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle
The ideal temperature for the Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle is 20〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan
Lifespan
Adult 1-3 years / Larva 8-12 months
Breeding Records & Localities
Wild record (♂)
77.6 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (mainland flat beetle wild 77.6mm Matsuo Ryōichi / captive record is missing)
Notable localities
HonshuShikokuKyushu
Nominate subspecies (pilifer). BE-KUWA captive-breeding record is unregistered (absent from competition), so only wild records are available. Smaller than foreign-bred flat-jaw stag beetles. 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
- WD
- Wild-caught
- WF1
- Offspring of a wild-caught female
- F1〜
- Captive generations (same locality)
- CBF1
- Cross-locality captive-bred (reset)
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, JA)
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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Dorcus titanus pilifer (Boisduval, 1835)
Synonyms: Dorcus titanus, Lucanus titanus Boisduval, 1835
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.
Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle Listings
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