
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Dicronocephalus wallichi
An east and southeast Asian flower beetle whose males carry forked, antler-like projections on the head. The front legs are long, and the Taiwanese subspecies bourgoini is the one in the hobby. It needs fresh leaves to lay in and clay to pupate in.
Dicronocephalus wallichii was described by Hope in 1831. It ranges through China, Vietnam and Thailand, with the subspecies bourgoini endemic to Taiwan, and GBIF records agree: Vietnam 94, Taiwan 68, China 59 and Thailand 48. Members of the genus are not giants like Goliathus but medium-sized beetles of 20-32 mm with notably long front legs. Males carry forked, antler-like projections on the head that females lack. In the breeding report for the Taiwanese subspecies on Ben's Beetle Breeding Pages, females will not lay in ordinary substrate: they drag fresh apple or plum leaves down from the surface, fold them and place a single egg inside each parcel. For pupation a layer of clay beneath the substrate is required, and without it eclosion often fails.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Wallich's Flower Beetle lives Adults 3-6 months.
The Wallich's Flower Beetle grows to 20-32mm (range given for the genus).
Origin
East and southeast Asia (Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Thailand, northern India, Bhutan, Myanmar)
Lifespan
Adults 3-6 months
Size
20-32mm (range given for the genus)
Temperature
20〜28℃
Sources: Dicronocephalus wallichi - Wikipedia (EN; range, three subspecies, close relatives) / Dicronocephalus - Wikipedia (EN; genus 20-32 mm, long front legs, antler-like male horns) / Ben's Beetle Breeding Pages - Breeding report for Dicronocephalus wallichi bourgoini (egg parcelling in fresh leaves, clay layer for pupation, larval period, separate larvae at pupation) / GBIF occurrence records for Dicronocephalus wallichi (counts by country)
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: Dicronocephalus wallichi Hope, 1831
Synonyms: Dicronocephalus wallichi Hope, 1831, Dicronocephalus wallichii
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.
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Humidity
60〜80%
Adults take beetle jelly and fruit; larvae feed on a leaf and compost mix
Do not keep the larvae too warm during pupation: in one breeding record this made the adults emerge in January, and temperature control and a resting period appear to matter for breeding over several generations. Keep the clay layer only slightly damp.
Females will not lay in ordinary substrate. Place fresh leaves of apple or plum on the surface and the female will fold one, bury it and lay a single egg inside the parcel. The larvae hatch after two to four weeks. For pupation a clay layer must be placed beneath the substrate, and because larvae can destroy each other's cocoons they should be separated at that stage.
Adult males fight with their horn-like projections, so keep them apart except for pairing, and separate the larvae at pupation.
Larvae obtained as late second instars have been reported to pupate within about two months.
What reaches the hobby is mostly the Taiwanese subspecies bourgoini; breeding reports for the nominate form are almost absent. Importing live stock requires the species identification certificate demanded for Scarabaeoidea. Use leaves free of pesticide residue for the egg-laying set.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Wallich's Flower Beetle is Adults 3-6 months. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Wallich's Flower Beetle typically reaches 20-32mm (range given for the genus) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Wallich's Flower Beetle feeds on: Adults take beetle jelly and fruit; larvae feed on a leaf and compost mix. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Wallich's Flower 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 17, 2026