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Xyloscaptes davidis
A small rhinoceros beetle of Xyloscaptes, a genus very close to the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, originally described as Xylotrupes davidis. GBIF holds specimen records from Mount Tam Dao in northern Vietnam; distribution data are scarce.
Xyloscaptes davidis (Deyrolle & Fairmaire, 1878) is a rhinoceros beetle (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) originally described as Xylotrupes davidis. Xyloscaptes is placed in the subtribe Xylotrupina with Allomyrina, Xylotrupes and Trypoxylus, and is regarded as very close to the Japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus). GBIF holds just two specimen records, both from Mount Tam Dao in northern Vietnam, and detailed distribution data are scarce; while related genera range widely across Asia, the full range of this species is still unclear. Little has been published on its life history, but given its closeness to the Japanese beetle, it is kept along the same lines: larvae on leaf mould or fermented substrate and adults on beetle jelly. Captive-bred stock occasionally appears at specialist shops in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Origin
Northern Vietnam (records from Mount Tam Dao); other range data are scarce
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
60〜80%
Adults take beetle jelly; larvae eat leaf mould or fermented substrate
There is little numeric temperature data. Avoid extremes of heat and cold and keep the substrate from drying out.
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
Many live foreign Scarabaeoidea (stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, flower chafers and relatives) are quarantine pests whose import is banned under Japan's Plant Protection Act, and even importable species require a species-name certificate from a foreign government body under the Invasive Alien Species Act (entry only via designated airports, never by international post). Whether a species may enter must be checked with the Plant Protection Station in advance, so choose domestically bred stock and never release captive beetles.
Sources: Plant Protection Station: Importing Scarabaeoidea (JA) / Plant Protection Station: Importing live insects (JA) / Ministry of the Environment: List of invasive alien species (JA) / Species+ CITES query (no listing)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Little is published on breeding this species. The related Japanese rhinoceros beetle lays by burrowing into leaf mould or compost, so provide a deep layer of leaf mould or fermented substrate.
Keep adults singly and together only for mating.
Larval duration and adult lifespan are poorly documented.
Being close to the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, never keep it together with native stock. Importing foreign stag and rhinoceros beetles is regulated by the Plant Protection Act and the Invasive Alien Species Act (species-name certificate), with each species needing clearance from the Plant Protection Station, so domestically bred stock is the safe choice. Never release captive beetles.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
David's rhinoceros beetle feeds on: Adults take beetle jelly; larvae eat leaf mould or fermented substrate. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of David's rhinoceros 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 30, 2026