Source: Wikimedia Commons
Miyama Stag Beetle
AdvancedLucanus maculifemoratus
Beautiful stag beetle from Japanese mountains. Crown-like head protrusion is distinctive. Requires cool temperatures for keeping.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 months
Size
Up to 75mm
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Beetle jelly
About
Lucanus maculifemoratus, the miyama stag beetle, inhabits mountainous forests of Japan at elevations above approximately 400 meters, with a range extending from Hokkaido to Kyushu. It is distinguished by prominent ear-like projections on the head and highly variable mandible forms, classified into base-tooth, Fuji-mountain, and water-buffalo types. Adults reach 35–75 mm in length and display brownish to dark brown coloration with distinctive yellow hairs near the leg bases. As an alpine species, it is extremely sensitive to high temperatures; captive husbandry requires strict temperature management at 15–22°C, typically necessitating a dedicated insect cooling unit. Adult lifespan is 2–3 months, which is brief even by stag beetle standards. Egg-laying occurs in hardwood logs or fermented substrate. Revered as a symbol of the Japanese summer mountains, the miyama stag beetle's unique head projections and imposing size make it a beloved and sought-after native species.
Basic Info
Origin
mountainous regions of Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 months
Size
Up to 75mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Beetle jelly
Care Guide
Temperature
Care Specifications
AggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Hard
Sources: Wikipedia ミヤマクワガタ
Captive Breeding
Egg-laying
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 ミヤマクワガタ
Breeding Records & Localities
Captive record (♂)
80.8 mm
Wild record (♂)
78.6 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版（ミヤマ 飼育80.8mm 畑中章史 2023 / 野外78.6mm）
Notable localities
北海道本州四国九州
日本産。冠状の頭部突起が特徴。低温飼育を好む。飼育レコードは BE-KUWA（むし社）のコンテストで毎年更新される。産地・累代（CBF/WF/WD）・サイズで個体価値が大きく変動する。
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 認定飼育レコード（むし社、2025年度版）
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku 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: Lucanus maculifemoratus Motschulsky, 1861
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Plant Protection Act: コガネムシ上科(カブトムシ・クワガタムシ・ハナムグリ等)の生きた個体を輸入する際は、外来生物法に基づき輸出国政府機関等が発行する種類名証明書の添付が必要(輸入港は成田・中部・関西・福岡・鹿児島の各空港に限定)。本種自体は特定外来生物ではなく、証明書の添付により輸入可能。
Sources: 環境省 外来生物法「コガネムシ上科に含まれる生きた昆虫を輸入される方へ」 / CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Miyama Stag Beetle Listings
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