Insect Encyclopedia — 75 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular beetles and stag beetles with care guides, traits, and breeding methods.
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Showing 7 of 75 species

Centaurus Beetle
Augosoma centaurus
A large beetle from central-western Africa. Named after the mythological centaur, this is an imposing species. Has three-pronged horns similar to the Caucasus beetle and is considered the king of African beetles.

Emperor Flat Stag Beetle
Dorcus bucephalus
A large flat stag beetle found in Indonesia, Philippines, and surrounding areas. Has a presence rivaling the Sumatran giant flat stag, with flattened body and large inner teeth. Relatively stable to keep and a popular exotic species.

Forster's Stag Beetle
Hexarthrius forsteri
A two-pronged stag beetle from Indonesia's Maluku Islands. Features large, well-developed bifurcated mandibles and a glossy body. Closely related to the red-back stag beetle, and similar keeping methods can be applied. A popular species.

Giant Flower Beetle
Mecynorrhina torquata
Large flower beetle from Africa. Beautiful metallic green to brown sheen. Males have forked head horn. Impressive in flight. Larval rearing relatively easy.

Parryi Stag Beetle
Hexarthrius parryi
A large two-pronged stag beetle distributed in India, Myanmar, Thailand, and nearby areas. Features long bifurcated mandibles and is one of the largest species in its genus. The body luster and mandible shape are highly valued by enthusiasts.

Rhaetulus Stag Beetle Gigas
Rhaetulus crenatus gigas
A stag beetle from Southeast Asia belonging to the Rhaetulus genus. The uniquely shaped mandibles extending like horns evoke deer antlers, which is the origin of its name. The gigas subspecies tends to grow particularly large and impressive.

Sumatran Giant Stag Beetle
Dorcus titanus
A large flat stag beetle from Sumatra with flattened body and large mandibles. A popular exotic stag beetle rivaling the Japanese Dorcus hopei in popularity. Some individuals exceed 100mm in size, creating an overwhelming presence.
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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.