Alces Shining Stag Beetle

Alces Shining Stag Beetle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

6-10 months as an adult

Size

Males 39.8-104.3mm, females 44.6-54.7mm (captive record 102.3mm)

Diet

Adults take sap of oaks and large herbs plus beetle jelly; larvae eat humus close to soil

Temperature & Humidity

It lives in montane rainforest at about 800 to 1,500 m and is said to be intolerant of cold. Aim for substrate wet enough to hold together when squeezed in the hand.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Well-fermented, blackened substrate or standard rhinoceros-beetle substrate is packed hard 3 to 5 cm deep into a small container and then topped up to about seven tenths of its depth; the same set serves for egg-laying and for rearing. The larvae eat a great deal, and partly broken-down humus such as spent mycelium or used substrate suits them. Breaking the cocoon at the prepupal stage sharply raises the chance of death.

Cohabitation

It is very combative and very strong, and is regularly named among the stag beetles that fight hardest. A bite from a male's mandibles can break the skin and draw blood, so handling calls for care too. Several are never kept together, and pairings should be watched.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Adults live six to ten months, and about two years pass between hatching and pupation. Reaching adulthood takes a male a year and a half to two years and a female over a year. Apart from its intolerance of cold and its slow growth the species is fairly easy to keep, but raising a large long-toothed male calls for cooler rearing and a large container.

Health & Notes

It is not restricted under the Plant Protection Act, so it can be imported and kept in Japan, though importing live Scarabaeoidea requires the species identification certificate. The species is confined to the Philippines and an escape would affect native ecosystems, so keep the container secure and never release the beetles outdoors.

About Alces Shining Stag Beetle

The Alces Shining Stag Beetle is a large, glossy black stag beetle from the Philippines, among the biggest in the whole stag beetle world. Adults live 6-10 months; recommended for intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Alces Shining Stag Beetle

1. 1Jaw Shape Changes With Size

   The dramatically enlarged "long-jaw" form only appears in beetles that grow past 85mm. Since the same species can look quite different depending on how large it grows, watching what shape your beetle develops into is part of the fun.

2. 2Enclosure Sized for a Big Body

   With their thick, robust build, these are among the largest beetles in the entire stag beetle world, and adults need enclosure space to match. Give them generous substrate depth and sturdy footholds sized for their bulk.

3. 3Adults Live About 6-10 Months

   Adult beetles are generally active for around 6 to 10 months. Beetles you bring home may already be partway through that lifespan, so enjoy daily observation rather than assuming a long time together.

4. 4Handle Large Mandibles With Care

   These beetles are large and strong, so avoid applying excessive force when handling either males or females. Their mandibles have a powerful grip, so hold them in a way that keeps your fingers clear.

5. 5Avoid Sudden Temperature Swings

   As a tropical species from the Philippines, they're thought to be sensitive to extreme cold, dryness, or sudden temperature changes. Keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight and direct airflow from air conditioning.

6. 6Intermediate-Level Care

   Day-to-day care isn't drastically different from other stag beetles, but managing a large-bodied species and choosing the right enclosure calls for some experience, which is why this species suits intermediate keepers. First-time keepers may want to build experience with a hardier species first.

7. 7Prepare the Enclosure in Advance

   Set up a spacious enclosure and enough substrate before bringing your beetle home so it's ready for their adult size. If you're unsure how to handle insect substrate, check the proper handling beforehand.

Frequently asked questions about Alces Shining Stag Beetle

Q.How big does the Alces Shining Stag Beetle get?

A.According to reference data, males range from about 39.8 to 104.3mm and females from about 44.6 to 54.7mm, with a captive-bred record of 102.3mm — males show especially wide size variation. The large "long-jaw" mandible form only appears in males that grow past 85mm.

Q.Is this beetle suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally rated as intermediate-level, so while day-to-day care is manageable, handling its large body and enclosure needs benefits from some prior experience. It's best suited to keepers who already have some stag beetle experience.

Q.How long do the adults live?

A.Adults are typically active for around 6 to 10 months. How much of that time remains depends on how mature the beetle already was when you got it, so it's best to enjoy observing it day by day.

Q.Do females get as large as males?

A.Females don't grow as large as males — reference data puts them at roughly 44.6 to 54.7mm. They also don't develop the enlarged mandibles, so they look quite different from males.

Q.Why do some individuals have smaller mandibles?

A.The dramatically enlarged "long-jaw" mandible form only appears in large males that have grown past 85mm. Smaller individuals develop a more modest mandible shape, so there's a range of appearances within the same species.

Useful tools for Alces Shining Stag Beetle care

Learn more about Alces Shining Stag Beetle in the encyclopedia

More in this category