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Saw Stag Beetle
BeginnerProsopocoilus inclinatus
Japans most popular stag beetle. Named for saw-like mandibles. Summer icon beloved by children.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 months
Size
Up to 70mm
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Beetle jelly
About
Prosopocoilus inclinatus, the nokogiri (saw) stag beetle, is one of Japan's most widely distributed and beloved stag beetles, found throughout the country from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The species is named for the characteristic saw-like serrations on the inner edge of the male's mandibles, which range in length from 25–70 mm body length. In larger males, mandibles curve dramatically, forming the so-called "water buffalo" morphology. Body coloration is reddish-brown to dark brown. Adults are nocturnal, gathering at sap flows of oak trees in summer. Captive temperature of 20–28°C is suitable, and the species is considered one of the easiest stag beetles to keep, making it ideal for beginners. Egg-laying occurs directly in soft fermented substrate packed deeply into the enclosure; the larval period lasts 1–2 years. Adults live approximately 2–4 months, though some individuals overwinter. Adults are fed beetle jelly. The nokogiri stag beetle's accessibility and dramatic mandible shape have made it the most popular stag beetle among children and beginning hobbyists in Japan.
Basic Info
Origin
Japan, distributed from Hokkaido to Kyushu and the Southwest Islands
Lifespan
Adult 2-3 months
Size
Up to 70mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Beetle jelly
Care Guide
Breeding Records & Localities
Captive record (♂)
76.8 mm
Wild record (♂)
77 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版（ノコギリ 飼育76.8mm 里由一 2015 / 野外77.0mm）
Notable localities
本州四国九州佐渡
日本産。大型個体は大歯型(湾曲した大顎)になる。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: Prosopocoilus inclinatus (Motschulsky, 1857)
Synonyms: Lucanus inclinatus Motschulsky, 1857
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.
Saw Stag Beetle Listings
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