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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. With a relatively long adult lifespan, it is a staple native stag beetle kept by beginners and experts alike.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Japan
Lifespan
Adult 1-3 years / Larva 8-12 months
Size
25-75mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Jelly (adult) / Fungus bottle or fermented mat (larva)
Care Guide
Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle FAQ
Breeding Records & Localities
Wild record (♂)
77.6 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版（本土ヒラタ 野外77.6mm 松尾良一 / 飼育レコードは欠番）
Notable localities
本州四国九州
本土亜種(pilifer)。BE-KUWA 飼育レコードは欠番（未登録）のため野外レコードのみ。外国産ヒラタより小型。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
- WD
- Wild-caught
- WF1
- Offspring of a wild-caught female
- F1〜
- Captive generations (same locality)
- CBF1
- Cross-locality captive-bred (reset)
Sources: BE-KUWA 認定飼育レコード（むし社、2025年度版）
References & Sources
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.
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: 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.
Japanese Mainland Flat Stag Beetle Listings
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