
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Megasoma anubis
A hairy elephant beetle from southern Brazil to northern Argentina. Males bear a short thoracic horn with a broad forked tip. Larvae develop in palm inflorescences.
The Anubis elephant beetle (Megasoma anubis) is a hairy Megasoma of southern Brazil (Espirito Santo to Rio Grande do Sul), eastern Paraguay and the Misiones region of northern Argentina. Both the head horn and the thoracic horn of the male are short, and the thoracic horn ends in a broad fork; around Teresopolis in Rio de Janeiro state it occurs alongside M. typhon. Males measure 60-90.4mm and females 40-65mm. Larvae feed on inflorescences of the Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis) and develop over 1-2 years; adults appear from January to April and eat rotting fruit. In southern Brazil it is sometimes regarded as a pest. Rearing follows other Megasoma, with long-term culture in well-fermented substrate, though its larval period is shorter than in the giant species. As a general rule for foreign beetles, keep above 18C in winter and avoid heat over 30C. Males fight, so house them singly. The BE-KUWA 2025 captive record is 90.4mm (2012).
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Anubis Elephant Beetle lives Larval period 1-2 years.
The Anubis Elephant Beetle grows to Males 60-90.4mm, females 40-65mm.
The ideal temperature for the Anubis Elephant Beetle is 18℃.
Origin
Southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, northern Argentina
Sources: Beetle Farm: basic rearing guide / Wikipedia (Megasoma, ja) / Prandi et al. 2020, ZooKeys 999 (revision of the Megasoma gyas species group) / Wikipedia (en)
Captive record (♂)
90.4 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Megasoma anubis, captive 90.4 mm, 藤原崇 2012, total length)
Notable localities
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA rearing records (2025 edition, Mushi-sha) / Prandi et al. 2020, ZooKeys 999 (revision of the Megasoma gyas species group) / Wikipedia (Megasoma, ja)
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: Megasoma anubis (Chevrolat, 1836)
Synonyms: Scarabaeus hector Gory, 1836, Scarabaeus theseus Laporte, 1840
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / MOE Japan: import of Scarabaeoidea beetles
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Larval period 1-2 years
Size
Males 60-90.4mm, females 40-65mm
Temperature
18℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly, ripe fruit; larvae on well-fermented substrate
General rule for foreign beetles: above 18C in winter, below 30C in summer.
Eggs are laid in well-fermented substrate. Wild larvae use palm inflorescences, but substrate works in captivity.
Males fight, so house singly. Cohabit only for pairing.
Larval period is 1-2 years, short for the genus.
Avoid a dry or waterlogged substrate. Hairy species pick up debris on their setae, so keep the enclosure clean.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Anubis Elephant Beetle is 18℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Anubis Elephant Beetle is Larval period 1-2 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Anubis Elephant Beetle typically reaches Males 60-90.4mm, females 40-65mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Anubis Elephant Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly, ripe fruit; larvae on well-fermented substrate. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Anubis Elephant 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 15, 2026