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Insect Encyclopedia — 75 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular beetles and stag beetles with care guides, traits, and breeding methods.

Featured Insect

Showing 14 of 75 species

Centaurus Beetle

Centaurus Beetle

Augosoma centaurus

Intermediate

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.

Rhinoceros beetleExoticAfrica
Didier's Stag Beetle

Didier's Stag Beetle

Rhaetulus didieri

Intermediate

A species of Rhaetulus stag beetle distributed in Vietnam and southern China. Features uniquely shaped mandibles reminiscent of deer antlers, with a black glossy body. Relatively easy to handle and popular as an entry-level exotic stag beetle.

ExoticStag beetleSoutheast Asia
Elaphus Long-jawed Stag

Elaphus Long-jawed Stag

Cyclommatus elaphus

Advanced

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.

LargeExoticStag beetle
Emperor Flat Stag Beetle

Emperor Flat Stag Beetle

Dorcus bucephalus

Intermediate

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.

LargeExoticStag beetle
Forster's Stag Beetle

Forster's Stag Beetle

Hexarthrius forsteri

Intermediate

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.

LargeExoticStag beetle
Giant Tiger Beetle

Giant Tiger Beetle

Manticora latipennis

Advanced

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.

Tiger beetleExoticAfrica
Lacordaire Shining Stag

Lacordaire Shining Stag

Odontolabis lacordairei

Intermediate

A beautiful shining stag beetle from India and Sri Lanka. Features vivid orange and black contrasting coloration with lustrous sheen. Large individuals have curved mandibles that are very impressive to view.

ExoticStag beetleShining
Maya Hercules Beetle

Maya Hercules Beetle

Dynastes maya

Intermediate

White rhinoceros beetle from Central America. Related to Hercules beetle with white to yellow elytra. Medium adult size, easier to keep than Hercules.

Rhinoceros beetleExoticWhite
Moseri Golden Stag

Moseri Golden Stag

Allotopus moellenkampi moseri

Advanced

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.

ExoticStag beetleGolden
Parryi Stag Beetle

Parryi Stag Beetle

Hexarthrius parryi

Intermediate

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.

LargeExoticStag beetle

Rainbow Stag Beetle

Phalacrognathus muelleri

Beginner

The world's most beautiful stag beetle from Australia. Iridescent metallic rainbow body is its defining trait. Docile and easy to keep. Larvae thrive on both fungus bottles and substrate.

Beginner-friendlyExoticBeautiful
Rhaetulus Stag Beetle Gigas

Rhaetulus Stag Beetle Gigas

Rhaetulus crenatus gigas

Intermediate

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.

LargeExoticStag beetle
Sabii Beetle

Sabii Beetle

Allomyrina pfeifferi

Beginner

A beetle from Southeast Asia whose rusty (sabi) body color is the origin of its name. Same genus as the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, sharing similar keeping methods, making it an easy-to-keep exotic beetle even for beginners. Horn shape is similar to the Japanese species.

Rhinoceros beetleExoticSoutheast Asia
Sumatran Giant Stag Beetle

Sumatran Giant Stag Beetle

Dorcus titanus

Intermediate

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.

LargeExoticStag beetle

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.