
AI-generated image
Eophileurus chinensis
It eats the larvae and corpses of other insects rather than tree sap, and because it will eat its own kind it is kept singly. Its un-beetle-like habits are what appeal to specialists.
Eophileurus chinensis occurs across most of Japan and also in the Korean Peninsula, China and Taiwan. It measures about 18-26 mm, and both sexes carry a small horn-like projection; the depression on the pronotum is round in males and slit-shaped in females, which is how they are told apart. It resembles the coconut rhinoceros beetles but is flatter, with leg spines large for its size. It lives in unspoilt lowland country and the adults are chiefly nocturnal. Rather than gathering at sap, it feeds on the larvae and corpses of other insects. Larvae eat white-rotted broadleaf wood and reach adulthood in under two months, so two or three generations appear each year; beetles that emerge in autumn overwinter inside the rotten wood. They can overwinter more than once and live from six months up to two years. The subspecies irregularis and okinawanus occur on Amami Oshima and Okinawa Island.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Kokabuto Beetle grows to 18-26 mm.
Origin
Most of Japan, plus the Korean Peninsula, China and Taiwan (including subspecies)
Lifespan
Six months to two years at most
Size
18-26 mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
The BE-KUWA certified records do not cover the genus Eophileurus, so no record figure exists. The subspecies were described by Prell in 1913 and Nomura in 1964.
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.
Accepted name: Eophileurus chinensis (Faldermann, 1835)
Synonyms: Eophileurus chinensis chinensis (Faldermann, 1835)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Larvae and corpses of other insects; beetle jelly
This is a Japanese native, so room temperature is fine; simply keep the substrate and rotten wood for the larvae from drying out. Beetles that emerge in autumn overwinter inside the wood as they are.
It will lay in commercial rhinoceros-beetle substrate or in a log already used for stag beetles, but it is not easy. Females lay almost nothing after the end of July, so the set has to be done by then. The beetle is strongly carnivorous and will eat eggs and larvae, so remove the adults as soon as either is found.
Because it is strongly carnivorous, beetles that emerge early will prey on larvae and pupae that have not, so keeping them singly is safer. Do not house them with other species either.
Larvae grow very fast and reach adulthood in under two months, which gives two or three generations a year. Adults can overwinter more than once and live from six months up to two years, long for their size. They rarely pass the winter as larvae.
No import procedure applies to a native species, but do not release collected beetles elsewhere or cross them with the island subspecies. Summer adults fly well and come to lights, so make sure the lid of the container is secure.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
Kokabuto Beetle typically reaches 18-26 mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Kokabuto Beetle feeds on: Larvae and corpses of other insects; beetle jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Kokabuto Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026