
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Allomyrina dichotoma
A Japanese summer icon. Popular from kids to adults. Larvae grow in leaf compost, pupating into adults in about a month. Perfect starter beetle.
The Japanese rhinoceros beetle (Allomyrina dichotoma), known in Japan as kabutomushi, is one of the most iconic beetle species in East Asia. Found throughout Japan, China, the Korean Peninsula, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Taiwan, it inhabits broad-leaved forests with temperate to subtropical climates. Males are distinguished by a prominent cephalic horn used in combat with rival males over territory and mating rights. Adults measure 30–80 mm in length and display a glossy dark-brown coloration. They are nocturnal, congregating at tree sap flows of oak and chestnut trees. In captivity, they require a mid-sized enclosure with at least 15 cm of fermented substrate, temperatures of 20–28°C, and humidity of 60–80%. Females lay 20–30 eggs in fermented substrate, and larvae develop over approximately one year. Their impressive horns, manageable care requirements, and cultural status as Japan's "king of insects" make them the most popular pet beetle in the country.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
continental Asia, including Japan, China, the Korean Peninsula, and Southeast Asia
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 months / Larva ~10 months
Size
30-80mm (including horn)
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Jelly (adult) / Leaf compost & fermented mat (larva)
Captive record (♂)
91.7 mm
Wild record (♂)
87.3 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版(日本産カブトムシ 飼育91.7mm 成塚修一 2017 / 野外87.3mm 虫とり 2012、いずれも角を含む全長)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
記録は角を含む全長(最大体長)。日本を代表するカブトムシ。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: Allomyrina dichotoma (Linnaeus, 1771)
Synonyms: Allomyrina dichotoma, Scarabaeus dichotom Linnaeus, 1771
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
Medium plastic case. Substrate depth 15cm+
Lay in fermented mat. ~20-30 eggs per female
Change substrate every 2-3 months. Use nutrient-rich mat for larger adults
Males fight. Add bark pieces to prevent flipping
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle is 20〜28℃. Recommended humidity is 60〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle is Adult 2-3 months / Larva ~10 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle typically reaches 30-80mm (including horn) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle feeds on: Jelly (adult) / Leaf compost & fermented mat (larva). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026