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Gideon Beetle
BeginnerXylotrupes gideon
A medium beetle widely distributed in Southeast Asia. Hardy beginner species for foreign beetles.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Size
30-60mm
Humidity
60〜80%
Diet
Insect jelly
About
Xylotrupes gideon, the Gideon's rhinoceros beetle, is a medium-sized rhinoceros beetle widely distributed across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. In Thailand, the species has a long tradition of use in beetle fighting contests, where males are provoked to battle using a female. The species is notably hardy and straightforward to maintain, making it the ideal introductory exotic rhinoceros beetle. A medium enclosure with fermented substrate is sufficient for both housing and breeding. Females lay eggs directly in the substrate; larvae develop in approximately 4–8 months. Adults eat beetle jelly or banana and live 3–6 months. Its robustness, simple care requirements, and low cost make X. gideon the most widely recommended entry-level exotic rhinoceros beetle.
Lifespan of the Gideon Beetle
The Gideon Beetle lives Adult 3-6 months.
Size of the Gideon Beetle
The Gideon Beetle grows to 30-60mm.
Males bear horns on both the head and thorax and reach 30–60 mm in body length, with a glossy black to dark brown coloration.
Temperature & humidity for the Gideon Beetle
Captive temperature of 22–28°C is suitable.
Basic Info
Origin
Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand
Lifespan
Adult 3-6 months
Breeding Records & Localities
Notable localities
Southeast AsiaNew GuineaAustralia
Regional subspecies
- Xylotrupes gideon gideon — Borneo
- Xylotrupes gideon sumatrensis — Sumatra
- Xylotrupes gideon australicus — Australia
A small scarab beetle widely distributed across Southeast Asia, differentiated into numerous subspecies. No size records are published, as registration could not be confirmed in BE-KUWA certified breeding records.
Generation codes
- WD
- Wild-caught
- WF1
- Offspring of a wild-caught female
- F1〜
- Captive generations (same locality)
- CBF1
- Cross-locality captive-bred (reset)
Sources: BE-KUWA Certified Breeding Records (Mushi-sha, FY2025 edition, JA)
References & Sources
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.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Xylotrupes gideon (Linnaeus, 1767)
Synonyms: Scarabaeus gideon Linnaeus, 1767
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
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.
Gideon Beetle Listings
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