Source: Wikimedia Commons
Palawan Giant Stag Beetle
IntermediateDorcus titanus palawanicus
Called the worlds strongest — the largest Dorcus species reaching 110mm. Incredibly strong grip. Popular in beetle battles.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
Adult 1-2 years, larva 8-14 months
Size
Up to 110mm
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Beetle jelly (adult), mushroom bottle (larva)
About
Dorcus titanus palawanicus, the Palawan stag beetle, is a subspecies of the giant flat stag beetle endemic to Palawan Island in the Philippines. It is the largest known Dorcus species, with males reaching up to 110 mm in body length. The body is notably broad and flattened, and the mandibles are exceptionally powerful—making this species famous in beetle fighting competitions. Optimal captive temperature is 22–27°C with humidity around 65–80%. Larvae develop best in fungal substrate bottles; two to three bottle changes are recommended for producing large adults. Egg-laying occurs in both hardwood logs and fermented substrate. Adults feed on beetle jelly and live 1–2 years, an impressive lifespan for the genus. Its combination of record size, formidable strength, and the challenge of breeding for maximum size makes the Palawan stag beetle one of the most popular stag beetles in the hobby.
Basic Info
Origin
Palawan Island, Philippines
Lifespan
Adult 1-2 years, larva 8-14 months
Size
Up to 110mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Beetle jelly (adult), mushroom bottle (larva)
Care Guide
Temperature
22-27°C
Care Specifications
AggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Easy
Sources: Wikipedia ヒラタクワガタ
Captive Breeding
Egg-laying
- Clutch size
- 30〜40
- Incubation temp.
- 23〜25℃
- Incubation days
- 18〜24 days
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 ヒラタクワガタ / 月夜野きのこ園 - パラワンオオヒラタ飼育 / クワガタ飼育の部屋 - パラワン産卵セット
Breeding Records & Localities
Captive record (♂)
115.3 mm
Wild record (♂)
111.3 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025年度版（ヒラタ・パラワン 飼育115.3mm 朽木バエ 2020 / 野外111.3mm）
Notable localities
フィリピン（パラワン島）
ヒラタクワガタ最大の亜種。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: Dorcus titanus palawanicus (Boisduval, 1835)
Synonyms: Dorcus titanus, Lucanus titanus Boisduval, 1835
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.
Palawan Giant Stag Beetle Listings
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