
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hexarthrius mandibularis
The largest Hexarthrius stag beetle in Southeast Asia. Attractive for its powerful mandibles and fierce temperament.
Hexarthrius mandibularis is the largest stag beetle in the genus Hexarthrius, native to Borneo and Sumatra in Southeast Asia. The body is glossy black with a powerful, robust build. The species is notably aggressive; males are fierce fighters that must be handled with care, and supervised short-duration pairing is strongly recommended. Adults are housed in large enclosures furnished with soft hardwood logs for egg-laying. Larvae are raised in fermented substrate or fungal substrate bottles. Adults feed on beetle jelly and live approximately 3–8 months. Its overwhelming mandible length and fierce temperament make H. mandibularis one of the most impressive and sought-after stag beetles among serious collectors.
The Mandibularis Stag Beetle lives Adult 3-8 months.
The Mandibularis Stag Beetle grows to 60-110mm.
Males possess exceptionally long, curved mandibles extending well beyond half the body length, with total body lengths reaching 60–120 mm.
The ideal temperature for the Mandibularis Stag Beetle is 20〜27℃.
Optimal captive temperature is 20–25°C.
Origin
Borneo and Sumatra, Southeast Asia
Lifespan
Adult 3-8 months
Sources: Wikipedia — Hexarthrius (genus; JA)
Breeding season: Early summer to summer (adult active season)
Breeding notes
Females lay eggs in fermented wood or substrate; hatched larvae are reared in fermented mat or fungal (mycelium) bottles. After eclosion, adults require several months of dormancy before they are ready to breed.
Breeding requires planning, proper husbandry, and responsibility. These figures are general guidelines.
Sources: Wikipedia — Hexarthrius (genus; JA)
Captive record (♂)
111.8 mm
Wild record (♂)
119.5 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (Mandibularis Sumatra captive 111.8mm Shen Zhiying 2025 / wild 119.5mm)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Largest species among two-pronged stag beetles. Wild record (119.5mm) exceeds captive-breeding records. 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
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.
Accepted name: Hexarthrius mandibularis Deyrolle, 1881
Synonyms: Hexarthrius mandibularis sumatranus Mizunuma, 1994
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
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.
Find listings for this species
Size
60-110mm
Temperature
20〜27℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
Aggressive, so keep pairings brief
Keep at 20-27°C. Matching its Bornean and Sumatran origin, avoid extreme heat and keep conditions stable.
Keep in a large case with soft breeding logs. It is extremely aggressive, so house adults individually.
Feed adults beetle jelly. Larvae can be raised in fermented substrate or kinshi bottles, and kinshi lets you aim for large adults.
Eggs are laid into soft wood. Because of its fierce temperament, keep pairing brief and always observe it.
Adults live a fairly short 3-8 months. The mandibles exceed half the body length and pinch dangerously, so handle with great care.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Mandibularis Stag Beetle is 20〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Mandibularis Stag Beetle is Adult 3-8 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Mandibularis Stag Beetle typically reaches 60-110mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Mandibularis Stag Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Mandibularis Stag Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026