
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mecynorrhina oberthuri
A large flower beetle from the forests of Tanzania. It was long thought the rarest species of its genus until it turned out to be common there, and many hobbyists now breed it. Males carry forward-projecting horns.
Mecynorhina oberthuri was described by Fairmaire in 1903 and was long taken for the rarest species of its genus. Jean-Pierre Lequeux then found that it is common in the forests of Tanzania, and it is now reared by many amateurs; GBIF records likewise cluster in Tanzania. It is placed in the subgenus Mecynorrhinella of Mecynorhina, alongside Mecynorhina torquata and Mecynorhina ugandensis. Husbandry follows the other species of that subgenus: beetlebreeding.ch reports of M. torquata that it profits from cooler temperatures, that larvae do well on flake soil, that protein additives such as Gammarus help, and that the larval period runs from twelve months to two years.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Oberthur's Flower Beetle lives Adults 3-6 months.
Origin
East Africa (Tanzania)
Lifespan
Adults 3-6 months
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Fruit, tree sap and beetle jelly
Sources: Mecynorhina - Wikipedia (EN; Mecynorrhina is an invalid misspelling under the ICZN, Chelorrhina and Megalorhina are subgenera, five-subgenus arrangement) / GBIF species page for Mecynorhina oberthuri (distribution and occurrence records by country) / Ben's Beetle Breeding Pages - Mecynorhina torquata poggei (congener in the same subgenus: prefers cooler temperatures, larval period 12 months to 2 years, flake soil, Gammarus and other protein additives)
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
Accepted name: Mecynorrhina oberthuri Fairmaire, 1903
Synonyms: Mecynorhina oberthuri Fairmaire, 1903, Mecynorhina oberthueri Fairmaire, 1903
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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Its subgenus congener Mecynorhina torquata is reported to profit from cooler temperatures, so avoid a warm regime. Keep the substrate moist and let it run slightly drier through pupation.
Larvae grow on flake soil or a substrate of rotten wood and leaves. Protein additives such as Gammarus are said to help, but too much brings mites and mould. Set the female to lay in a deep bed of well-fermented substrate. No measured figure for clutch size has been published for this species.
Males fight with their horns, so keep adults singly and put a pair together only for breeding. Larvae can be raised communally, but crowding at pupation leads to failures.
In the subgenus congener Mecynorhina torquata, larval periods of twelve months to two years have been reported, so the spread is wide. No measured adult lifespan has been published for this species.
Importing live beetles requires the species identification certificate demanded for live Scarabaeoidea. Both oberthuri and oberthueri are in use in the literature, so a different spelling on a price list may still mean the same beetle.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Oberthur's Flower Beetle is Adults 3-6 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Oberthur's Flower Beetle feeds on: Fruit, tree sap and beetle jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Oberthur's Flower Beetle varies significantly depending on bloodline, size, captive-bred generation, and sex. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026