Source: Wikimedia Commons
Papuan Golden Stag
BeginnerLamprima adolphinae
A small stag beetle with vivid metallic sheen. Varied colors: green, blue, purple, gold.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
Adult 6-12 months
Size
25-50mm
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Insect jelly
About
Lamprima adolphinae is a small but spectacularly colored stag beetle native to the rainforests of New Guinea, closely related to the rainbow stag beetle (Phalacrognathus muelleri). Adults reach only 25–50 mm in length but display dazzling metallic coloration in shades of green, blue, purple, or gold—varying between individuals. They inhabit forest canopies, feeding on nectar and tree sap. In captivity, small enclosures are sufficient, making them one of the most space-efficient exotic stag beetles to keep. Egg-laying occurs in fermented substrate or leaf litter; larvae develop in approximately 4–8 months. Their manageable size, vivid color polymorphism, and straightforward care requirements make L. adolphinae an appealing species for beginner to intermediate keepers who wish to experience the visual splendor of metallic-colored stag beetles.
Lifespan of the Papuan Golden Stag
The Papuan Golden Stag lives Adult 6-12 months.
Adults have a relatively long lifespan of 6–12 months.
Size of the Papuan Golden Stag
The Papuan Golden Stag grows to 25-50mm.
Temperature & humidity for the Papuan Golden Stag
Optimal temperature is 20–25°C.
Basic Info
Origin
New Guinea
Lifespan
Adult 6-12 months
Size
Breeding Records & Localities
Captive record (♂)
54.9 mm
Wild record (♂)
54 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (Papua golden beetle captive 54.9mm Hayashida Shigenobu 2016 / wild 54.0mm)
Notable localities
New Guinea Island (Papua New Guinea and Indonesian territory)
Small metallic stag beetle. Body color varies across color forms of gold / green / blue / purple, but these do not represent geographic subspecies. 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: Lamprima adolphinae (Gestro, 1875)
Synonyms: Lamprima adolphinae lulua Kriesche, 1940, Lamprima adolphinae olivacea Nagel, 1930, Neolamprima adolphinae Gestro, 1875, Neolamprima adolphinae bohni Darge & Séguy, 1953, Neolamprima adolphinae chalcitides Didier & Séguy, 1952
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.
Papuan Golden Stag Listings
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