
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cyclommatus metallifer
A stag beetle with extremely long mandibles relative to body length. Beautiful metallic sheen and slender body.
Cyclommatus metallifer, the metallifer stag beetle, is native to Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands, Indonesia. It is renowned for its extraordinarily long mandibles, which in large males can equal or even exceed the body length itself—a proportional extreme unmatched among stag beetles. The slender build combined with the metallic coloration gives it an elegant, almost jewel-like appearance. A medium enclosure with hardwood egg-laying logs is appropriate; larvae develop relatively quickly, completing development in approximately 4–8 months. Adults live 3–8 months. Care must be taken when handling, as the elongated mandibles can inflict painful pinches. The combination of record-proportioned mandibles and vivid metallic coloration makes C. metallifer one of the most visually striking and popular exotic stag beetles.
The Metallifer Stag Beetle lives Adult 3-8 months.
The Metallifer Stag Beetle grows to 30-90mm.
Body length excluding mandibles is approximately 30–90 mm, and the body displays a striking metallic reddish-brown to golden sheen.
Optimal captive temperature is 22–26°C.
Origin
Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands, Indonesia
Lifespan
Adult 3-8 months
Captive record (♂)
101.7 mm
Wild record (♂)
100 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 Edition (metallifer finae captive 101.7mm 2025 / wild 100.0mm)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
Subspecies finae achieves the largest size (captive-breeding record: finae 101.7 / nominate subspecies 99.8 / isogaii 90.7mm). 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
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: Cyclommatus metallifer (Boisduval, 1835)
Synonyms: Lucanus metallifer Boisduval, 1835
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.
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Size
30-90mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Insect jelly
The mandibles are over half the body length
The ideal temperature is 22-26°C. Matching its Sulawesi origin, avoid extreme heat and keep conditions stable.
Keep in a medium case with a breeding log. Leave room inside so the long mandibles do not get caught.
Feed adults beetle jelly. Larvae grow on either substrate or kinshi bottles, so choose whichever is easier to manage.
It lays in breeding logs or fermented substrate. The larval stage is short at about 4-8 months, so emergence comes fairly quickly.
Adults live about 3-8 months. To avoid the long mandibles, hold it by the thorax or use tools when handling.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Metallifer Stag Beetle is Adult 3-8 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Metallifer Stag Beetle typically reaches 30-90mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Metallifer Stag Beetle feeds on: Insect jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Metallifer 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