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Mesotopus regius
The other member of Mesotopus, a little smaller and slimmer than M. tarandus. Its mandibles curve more gently and appear to run further forward, giving it a cleaner outline.
Mesotopus regius is the second species placed in Mesotopus, though it is commonly folded into M. tarandus as a synonym or subspecies, leaving the genus with one species. Set beside tarandus it is a little smaller and slimmer, its mandibles curve more gently and appear to run further forward, and the head is less rugged, giving a cleaner outline; the clypeal structure is also less developed. The genus lives in the rainforests of central Africa and carries a strong gloss often likened to lacquer. The name and that sheen sometimes lead people to take it for an Odontolabis of Southeast Asia, but it belongs to a different lineage. Husbandry follows the pattern worked out for Allotopus: the female lays into Coriolus or Ganoderma logs and into Coriolus medium, and the larvae are reared in Coriolus mycelium bottles. The captive record of 96.4 mm exceeds the wild record of 93.0 mm.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Regius Giant Shining Stag Beetle grows to Captive record 96.4mm, wild record 93.0mm.
Origin
West and Central Africa, including Cameroon
Lifespan
A few months as an adult
Size
Captive record 96.4mm, wild record 93.0mm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
Captive record (♂)
96.4 mm
Wild record (♂)
93 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition, captive records for imported stag beetles (regius: captive 96.4 mm, Weirong Chen, registered 2019; wild 93.0 mm; expected maximum 102 mm)
Notable localities
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition PDF, JA) / Mesotopus tarandus - Wikipedia (JA; range, size, morphology, biology, relationship to regius, rearing on Coriolus mycelium)
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.
Accepted name: Mesotopus regius Möllenkamp, 1896
Synonyms: Mesotopus tarandus regius
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.
Find listings for this species
60〜80%
Adults take tree sap and beetle jelly; larvae are reared in Coriolus mycelium bottles
Mesotopus lives in the central African rainforest, and for the genus the substrate is kept on the dry side, with a temperature in the twenties considered right. The Coriolus medium also degrades quickly.
As with Allotopus, the beetle lays into Coriolus or Ganoderma logs and into Coriolus medium, and the larvae develop in Coriolus mycelium bottles. Since that was worked out the species has been fairly easy to keep given the right materials. The captive record stands at 96.4 mm.
Members of the genus will fight their own kind and other stag beetles alike, and both sexes grip very hard, so the beetles are never housed together and handling calls for care. Because its rank relative to M. tarandus is disputed, the two should not be crossed or housed together.
The larvae grow in Coriolus mycelium bottles, but the medium degrades quickly so the replacement interval matters. Once past the early stages the larvae are hardy. The adults live a few months.
Its rank is treated differently by different sources: GBIF keeps it as a full species while others usually fold it into M. tarandus. Keep locality data and breeding lines strictly separate. Importing live Scarabaeoidea requires the species identification certificate.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
Regius Giant Shining Stag Beetle typically reaches Captive record 96.4mm, wild record 93.0mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Regius Giant Shining Stag Beetle feeds on: Adults take tree sap and beetle jelly; larvae are reared in Coriolus mycelium bottles. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Regius Giant Shining Stag 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 16, 2026