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Rhaetulus didieri
A species of Rhaetulus stag beetle distributed in Vietnam and southern China. Features uniquely shaped mandibles reminiscent of deer antlers, with a black glossy body. Relatively easy to handle and popular as an entry-level exotic stag beetle.
Rhaetulus didieri is a deer stag beetle distributed across Vietnam and southern China. It features distinctive antler-like mandibles and a glossy black body. Relatively easy to handle, it is popular as an introductory exotic stag beetle. Husbandry uses a small to medium enclosure with oviposition logs and fermented substrate. Adults are fed insect jelly, and larvae can be reared in fungal substrate bottles or fermented substrate. Maintaining moderately high humidity keeps it stable. Combining a distinctive mandible shape with ease of care, it suits those keeping deer stag beetles for the first time.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Didier's Stag Beetle lives Adult 6mo-1yr.
The Didier's Stag Beetle grows to 30-70mm.
The ideal temperature for the Didier's Stag Beetle is 20〜26℃.
Origin
Vietnam and southern China
Lifespan
Adult 6mo-1yr
Size
30-70mm
Temperature
Captive record (♂)
86 mm
Wild record (♂)
87 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Didier - captive 86.0 mm Sasaki Taiga 2023 / wild 87.0 mm)
Notable localities
The deer stag beetle with mandibles curved like deer antlers. 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
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, JA)
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: Rhaetulus didieri de Lisle, 1968
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
20〜26℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Tree sap, beetle jelly
Raise in fermented mat or fungal bottle
Easily obtainable exotic species suitable for beginners
Keep at 20-26°C. Slightly high humidity keeps it stable, so watch that the substrate does not dry out.
Set up a small to medium case with a breeding log and fermented substrate. It is relatively easy to handle and suits first-time Rhaetulus keepers.
Feed adults beetle jelly. Larvae can be raised in kinshi bottles or fermented substrate.
Let it lay in a breeding log. Adults live 6 months to a year, so there is time to wait for maturity before pairing.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Didier's Stag Beetle is 20〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Didier's Stag Beetle is Adult 6mo-1yr. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Didier's Stag Beetle typically reaches 30-70mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Didier's Stag Beetle feeds on: Tree sap, beetle jelly. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Didier's 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: August 31, 2026