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. The body is notably broad and flattened, and the mandibles are exceptionally powerful—making this species famous in beetle fighting competitions. 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. 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.
Lifespan of the Palawan Giant Stag Beetle
The Palawan Giant Stag Beetle lives Adult 1-2 years, larva 8-14 months.
Adults feed on beetle jelly and live 1–2 years, an impressive lifespan for the genus.
Size of the Palawan Giant Stag Beetle
The Palawan Giant Stag Beetle grows to Up to 110mm.
It is the largest known Dorcus species, with males reaching up to 110 mm in body length.
Temperature & humidity for the Palawan Giant Stag Beetle
Optimal captive temperature is 22–27°C with humidity around 65–80%.
Basic Info
Origin
Palawan Island, Philippines
Lifespan
Adult 1-2 years, larva 8-14 months
Care Specifications
AggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Easy
Sources: Wikipedia — Dorcus titanus (JA)
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 — Dorcus titanus (JA) / Tsukiyono Kinokoen — rearing Palawan giant stag beetles (JA) / Kuwagata Shiiku no Heya — Palawan breeding setup (JA)
Breeding Records & Localities
Captive record (♂)
115.3 mm
Wild record (♂)
111.3 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Hirata Palauan - captive 115.3 mm Kutsuki Bae 2020 / wild 111.3 mm)
Notable localities
Philippines (Palawan Island)
The largest subspecies of flat stag beetle. 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.
Primary sources
- Ministry of the Environment, Invasive Species Act: "Guidance for Those Importing Live Insects in Scarabaeoidea"
- CITES Appendix (checklist.cites.org)
- Wikipedia — Dorcus titanus (JA)
- BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, JA)
- Tsukiyono Kinokoen — rearing Palawan giant stag beetles (JA)
- Kuwagata Shiiku no Heya — Palawan breeding setup (JA)
- GBIF
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: 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.
Palawan Giant Stag Beetle Listings
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