Insect Encyclopedia — 75 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular beetles and stag beetles with care guides, traits, and breeding methods.
Featured Insect
Showing 24 of 75 species
© Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0Actaeon Beetle
Actaeon beetle
One of South America's largest elephant beetles. A heavyweight alongside Elephas, with giant larvae.
Brooke's Stag Beetle
Odontolabis brookeana
A large stag beetle from Borneo with curved mandibles and glossy black body.
Dung Beetle (Scarab)
Scarabaeus sacer
Sacred scarab revered in ancient Egypt. Known for rolling dung into balls. Difficult to keep due to specialized diet, but fascinating behavior to observe.
Elaphus Long-jawed Stag
Cyclommatus elaphus
The largest species of Cyclommatus from Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Has extremely long mandibles relative to body length, with a ratio ranking among the world's top. The reddish-brown body and slender body shape radiate unique beauty.
Giant Tiger Beetle
Manticora latipennis
One of the world's largest tiger beetles from southern Africa. A large species reaching about 5cm in body length, with powerful mandibles and quick movements. A ground-dwelling species without flight ability, making it a rare predatory insect as a pet.
Giant Water Bug
Lethocerus deyrollei
Japan's largest aquatic insect at ~65mm. Captures prey with front legs, injecting digestive fluid. Classified as Vulnerable. Some breeders contribute to conservation through captive breeding.
© Furry yui / Public domainGolden Stag Beetle
Beautifully golden stag beetle from SE Asian highlands. Turns black in humidity, golden when dry. Stunning display beetle.
Goliath Beetle
Goliathus goliatus
One of the world's largest flower chafers from Africa. Weight reaches the maximum class among insects.
Hercules Beetle Nominate
Dynastes hercules hercules
The nominate subspecies of king of beetles Hercules. From Guadeloupe, grows largest.
Hercules Ecuatorianus
Dynastes hercules ecuatorianus
Ecuadorian subspecies of Hercules beetle. Smaller than nominate but unique horn shape.
© かんがくたろう / CC BY-SA 4.0Hercules Lichyi
Dynastes hercules lichyi
A Colombian Hercules beetle subspecies. Popular for long straight horns.
Himeoo Stag Beetle
Dorcus montivagus
Japan's most alpine stag beetle, living in the beech belt at 1,000-1,600 m. It gnaws willow twigs to draw sap. Requires cool temperatures and is difficult to breed — for advanced keepers.
Japanese Jewel Beetle
Chrysochroa fulgidissima
Japanese beetle with iridescent rainbow wings. Famous for ancient 'Tamamushi Shrine' decoration. Adults eat hackberry leaves. Declining in urban areas.
© J.F. Gaffard / CC BY-SA 3.0Lucanus Stag Beetle
Europe's largest stag beetle. Lucanus cervus is famous as Europe's iconic beetle.
© keusju / CC BY-SA 3.0Mandibularis Stag Beetle
Hexarthrius mandibularis
The largest Hexarthrius stag beetle in Southeast Asia. Attractive for its powerful mandibles and fierce temperament.
© JohnSka / CC BY-SA 3.0Mars Elephant Beetle
Megasoma mars
A large elephant beetle from Brazil. Attractive glossy black body and powerful horn.
© keusju / Public domainMiyama Stag Beetle
Lucanus maculifemoratus
Beautiful stag beetle from Japanese mountains. Crown-like head protrusion is distinctive. Requires cool temperatures for keeping.
Moellenkampi Stag Beetle
Allotopus moellenkampi
A golden-colored Allotopus stag beetle species. A beautiful species from Borneo highlands.
Moseri Golden Stag
Allotopus moellenkampi moseri
A golden-gleaming stag beetle from Borneo. The Moseri subspecies of the golden stag has particularly beautiful gold body coloration, earning high popularity for its rarity and beauty. Relatively difficult to keep, suitable for advanced keepers.
Neptune Beetle
Dynastes neptunus
Rare large beetle from South American highlands. Second largest after Hercules. Jet-black body with long horn is stunning.
© Didier Descouens / CC BY-SA 4.0Orchid Mantis
Hymenopus coronatus
World's most beautiful mantis mimicking orchid flowers. Pink-white body color looks exactly like flowers.
Rosenberg's Stag Beetle
Allotopus rosenbergi
A beautiful golden stag beetle from Java highlands. Most commonly available among golden stag beetles.
© 要塞騎士 / CC BY-SA 4.0Satan Beetle
Dynastes satanas
A jet-black beetle from Bolivian highlands. A rare and mystical species bearing the devil's name.
© Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 3.0Titan Beetle
Titanus giganteus
One of the world's largest beetles. Lives in the South American Amazon, reaching 16cm in legendary proportions.
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Insect FAQ
- How much do beetles cost?
- Japanese rhinoceros beetles cost 300-1,000 yen, giant stag beetles 2,000-30,000 yen, and Hercules beetles 5,000-50,000+ yen depending on species and size.
- Can beginners start keeping insects?
- Japanese rhinoceros beetles and saw stag beetles are easy to keep and great for beginners. A basic container and beetle jelly from a 100-yen shop is all you need to start.
- How long do beetles live?
- Adult rhinoceros beetles live 2-3 months, saw stag beetles 3-6 months. Giant stag beetles can live 2-5 years as adults, offering years of enjoyment.
- What are the benefits of raising larvae?
- Larvae are cheaper than adults and you get to experience the thrill of eclosion. Raising large specimens using fungus bottles or substrate is rewarding and educational.
- What should I check when buying insects?
- Check that tarsi (feet) are intact, the insect is active, and there are no mites. Choose specimens with documented size and lineage information.