How difficult is it to keep Mars Elephant Beetle?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the lifespan of Mars Elephant Beetle?

The average lifespan of Mars Elephant Beetle is Adult 3-6 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Mars Elephant Beetle get?

Mars Elephant Beetle typically reaches 70-130mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Mars Elephant Beetle?

Mars Elephant Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Mars Elephant Beetle?

The price of Mars Elephant Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Mars Elephant Beetle

Advanced

Megasoma mars

A large elephant beetle from Brazil. Attractive glossy black body and powerful horn.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

20〜28℃

Lifespan

Adult 3-6 months

Size

70-130mm

Humidity

60〜80%

Diet

Insect jelly

About

Megasoma mars, the Mars elephant beetle, is a large Megasoma species native to the tropical rainforests of northern South America, including Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. elephas). Like all Megasoma, the body is covered with fine hairs, though these are less dense in M. mars, allowing the black sheen to dominate. An extra-large enclosure with deep leaf litter or fermented substrate is required, as larvae grow very large and consume substantial amounts of substrate over a development period of 18–30 months. Egg-laying occurs in the substrate. Adults eat beetle jelly or banana and live approximately 3–6 months. Alongside M. elephas, M. mars is one of the most sought-after elephant beetles, prized especially for its distinctive jet-black coloration.

Lifespan of the Mars Elephant Beetle

The Mars Elephant Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months.

Size of the Mars Elephant Beetle

The Mars Elephant Beetle grows to 70-130mm.

Males reach 70–130 mm in body length and display a striking glossy jet-black coloration—notably more lustrous than the closely related elephant beetle (M.

Temperature & humidity for the Mars Elephant Beetle

Captive temperature of 22–26°C is optimal.

Basic Info

Origin

tropical rainforests of northern South America, including Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil

Lifespan

Adult 3-6 months

Breeding Records & Localities

Captive record (♂)

133.7 mm

Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (Mars elephant beetle captive 133.7mm Kirihara Toshiro 2023, total length including horns)

Notable localities

PeruEcuadorColombiaBrazil

A type of elephant beetle. Large, robust species. 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.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Megasoma mars (Reiche, 1852)

Synonyms: Megalosoma mars Reiche, 1852

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.