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.

Insect Encyclopedia — 75 Species Directory

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

Featured Insect

Mandibularis Stag Beetle Atlas Beetle Palawan Stag Beetle

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Exotic Large Stag beetle Africa Native Southeast Asia Golden Domestic Metallic Beautiful Small Rhinoceros beetle Entry-level Easy keeping Camouflage

Showing 12 of 75 species

Brooke's Stag Beetle

Odontolabis brookeana

Advanced

A large stag beetle from Borneo with curved mandibles and glossy black body.

Stag BeetleLargeBorneo

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

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

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

Flat Stag Beetle

Dorcus titanus

Beginner

A large stag beetle distributed throughout Japan. Characterized by powerful mandibles and flat body, popular for beetle fighting.

Flat stagLargeJapanese

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 African Mantis

Sphodromantis viridis

Beginner

Large mantis from Africa. Green body with thick raptorial forelegs. Hardy and voracious, ideal entry-level mantis. Relatively easy to handle.

MantisBeginner-friendlyAfrica

Giant Flower Beetle

Mecynorrhina torquata

Intermediate

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

Flower beetleAfricaMetallic sheen

Neptune Beetle

Dynastes neptunus

Advanced

Rare large beetle from South American highlands. Second largest after Hercules. Jet-black body with long horn is stunning.

RareJet-blackSouth American highland

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

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

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

Browse Insect Listings

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.