
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hexarthrius rhinoceros
A large Indonesian species, second in size within Hexarthrius. The clypeus rises like a rhinoceros horn and the curved mandibles fork at the tip. The Sumatran subspecies exceeds 100mm in captivity and rivals H. mandibularis in presence.
The rhinoceros stag beetle (Hexarthrius rhinoceros) is a large fork-horned stag from Sumatra, Java and the Mentawai Islands, second in size only to H. mandibularis. The epithet means rhinoceros, and its strongly developed clypeal projection gives it the Japanese alias Hanadaka-futamata. The mandibles curve more than in mandibularis and the largest inner tooth sits nearer the tip, though shapes range from strongly curved to nearly straight. The nominate form is Javan, chaudoiri Sumatran and sadaoi from Pagai; Japanese trade is mostly Sumatran stock. Males measure 65-90mm, reaching 109mm in the wild, and the BE-KUWA 2025 captive record is 103.0mm from Sumatra (2012). Because H. mandibularis and H. parryi share Sumatra and their females look almost identical, wild stock is sometimes suspected of hybridisation or misidentification. Keep adults at 23-25C, lay Quercus logs on the substrate surface and let the female lay at around 25C. The species is aggressive and tying the male's mandibles for pairing is essential.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Rhinoceros Stag Beetle lives Adults 4-7 months.
The Rhinoceros Stag Beetle grows to Males 65-90mm (wild max 109mm), females 35-45mm.
The ideal temperature for the Rhinoceros Stag Beetle is 23〜25℃.
Origin
Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Mentawai Islands)
Sources: Hakurai Rokkyakudo: rearing Hexarthrius rhinoceros / Dorcus Danke: Sumatran H. rhinoceros care notes / COLORS fork-horned stag beetle catalogue / Wikipedia (ja): Hexarthrius
Captive record (♂)
103 mm
Record source: BE-KUWA 2025 edition (Rhinoceros stag, Sumatra: captive 103.0mm, Yasuhiko Kikawa, 2012; wild record 108.8mm)
Notable localities
Regional subspecies
BE-KUWA lists the nominate Javan form separately at 84.3mm (2024; wild 92.0mm). The female record is 47.8mm (2012).
Generation codes
Sources: BE-KUWA certified breeding records (Mushi-sha, 2025 edition)
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: Hexarthrius rhinoceros (Olivier, 1789)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Plant Protection Act: Live Scarabaeoidea beetles (rhinoceros, stag and flower beetles) may be imported into Japan only with a species-name certificate issued by the exporting government under the Invasive Alien Species Act, and only through Narita, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka or Kagoshima airports. This species is not a designated invasive alien species and can be imported with the certificate.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment (Japan): Importing live Scarabaeoidea beetles / CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Adults 4-7 months
Size
Males 65-90mm (wild max 109mm), females 35-45mm
Temperature
23〜25℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Beetle jelly (adults); kinshi bottles or fermented substrate (larvae)
Adults at 23-25C, larvae at 20-25C. Run the laying set a little warmer, around 25C. If it exceeds 30C keep the case drier and well ventilated.
Adults feed 1-2 months after eclosion and mature about a month later. Lay Quercus logs on mature substrate; eggs go near the log surface. Not prolific and females vary greatly. Leave the set untouched for 1-2 months.
Aggressive; house singly. Pair with the male's mandibles tied for 3-7 days, then separate. Remove the male once the female starts chewing the log.
Adults live 4-7 months. On kinshi, larvae emerge in 9-11 months (males) or 7-9 months (females), a little longer on substrate; slow cool rearing for size can approach 18 months.
Wild adults have unknown remaining life and may be mixed up or hybridised with H. mandibularis or H. parryi from the same island. Identify emerged offspring by the clypeal horn and mandible curvature.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Rhinoceros Stag Beetle is 23〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Rhinoceros Stag Beetle is Adults 4-7 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Rhinoceros Stag Beetle typically reaches Males 65-90mm (wild max 109mm), females 35-45mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Rhinoceros Stag Beetle feeds on: Beetle jelly (adults); kinshi bottles or fermented substrate (larvae). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Rhinoceros 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