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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. 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. Egg-laying occurs directly in soft fermented substrate packed deeply into the enclosure; the larval period lasts 1–2 years. Adults live about 2-3 months once active. 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.
Lifespan of the Saw Stag Beetle
The Saw Stag Beetle lives Adult 2-3 months.
Unlike Dorcus stag beetles, they do not survive multiple winters as active adults; individuals that eclose in autumn overwinter inside the pupal chamber and emerge the following early summer, so the whole life cycle from egg takes roughly 1-2 years.
Size of the Saw Stag Beetle
The Saw Stag Beetle grows to Up to 70mm.
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.
Temperature & humidity for the Saw Stag Beetle
The ideal temperature for the Saw Stag Beetle is 20〜28℃.
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.
Basic Info
Breeding Records & Localities
Captive record (♂)
76.8 mm
Wild record (♂)
77 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Saw - Captive 76.8mm Yuuichi Sato 2015 / Wild 77.0mm)
Notable localities
HonshuShikokuKyushuSado
Japan-origin. Large individuals develop the large-tooth form (curved mandibles). Captive breeding records are updated annually through BE-KUWA (Mushi-sha) competitions. Individual value varies significantly depending 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.
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: 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.
Saw Stag Beetle Listings
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