Burmese five-horned beetle

Burmese five-horned beetle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Adults a few months to about half a year (genus accounts)

Size

30-60mm (captive record 66.4mm)

Diet

Adults take sap, fruit or beetle jelly (bamboo-shoot sap in the wild); larvae eat fermented substrate

Temperature & Humidity

There is little numeric temperature data. As a mountain-forest species, keep it away from places where summer heat builds up.

Food & Feeding

In the wild it drinks the sap of bamboo shoots and also visits sap and fruit. In captivity offer beetle jelly.

Breeding & Egg-laying

In the wild it lays in humus mixed with bamboo leaves and stems, but in captivity bamboo is unnecessary and is said to spoil the substrate and stop egg-laying. Use ordinary fermented substrate.

Cohabitation

The genus is placid rather than combative, but the long legs grip hard. Keep the sexes apart except for breeding.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Adults of the genus live from a few months to about half a year.

Health & Notes

Check the label so it is not confused with E. gracilicornis (cream wing cases) or E. siamensis (plate-like inner thoracic horns). Importing foreign stag and rhinoceros beetles is regulated by the Plant Protection Act and the Invasive Alien Species Act (species-name certificate), with each species needing clearance from the Plant Protection Station, so domestically bred stock is the safe choice. Never release captive beetles.

About Burmese five-horned beetle

A reddish-brown beetle with a long curving head horn and rabbit-ear-like thoracic horns, native to the Thailand-Myanmar border mountains. Adults reach 30 to 60mm.

7 things to know before welcoming a Burmese five-horned beetle

1. 1Distinctive five horns

   The long curving head horn combined with the thoracic horns gives this beetle its "five-horned" name. Two of the inner thoracic horns stand upright like rabbit ears, which is where its English name comes from.

2. 2Limited mountain range

   This beetle is native to mountainous areas along the Thailand-Myanmar border, a fairly limited range. How well the horns develop can vary with rearing conditions and individual differences.

3. 3Adults live a few months

   Adults typically live from a few months up to about half a year, which is shorter than many other beetle species. Plan your care schedule with this relatively short adult lifespan in mind.

4. 4Best suited to experienced keepers

   Compared with more common beetle species, this one is generally considered suited to keepers with some prior experience. If you've kept other beetles before, you'll likely be able to apply what you've learned to its care.

5. 5Adult size varies by individual

   Adult body length generally ranges from about 30 to 60mm, with noticeable variation between individuals. One captive specimen has been recorded at 66.4mm, and horn growth also differs from beetle to beetle.

6. 6Handle the horns with care

   The long head and thoracic horns are visually impressive, but they can be damaged if knocked or caught on something. Take care with enclosure layout and handling so the horns aren't put under unnecessary stress.

7. 7Prepare before bringing one home

   Before bringing one home, set up an enclosure with enough substrate depth for the beetle to burrow and secure footing to prevent it from getting stuck on its back. Since this species is considered suited to more experienced keepers, it helps to review the basics of beetle care beforehand.

Frequently asked questions about Burmese five-horned beetle

Q.Where does the name "five-horned beetle" come from?

A.It has five horns in total across its head and thorax, which is the origin of its Japanese "five-horned" name. Two of the inner thoracic horns stand upright like ears, giving it the English name rabbit ears beetle.

Q.How long do adults live?

A.Adults typically live from a few months up to about half a year. It's best to plan for a relatively short adult stage rather than expecting long-term care.

Q.Is this beetle suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally considered better suited to keepers with some prior experience. If you've kept other beetles before, you should find it manageable.

Q.How big do adults get?

A.Adults generally measure about 30 to 60mm, with variation between individuals. One captive specimen has been recorded at 66.4mm.

Q.Is this species subject to CITES?

A.The Burmese five-horned beetle is not subject to CITES. Many live foreign Scarabaeoidea (stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, flower chafers and relatives) are quarantine pests whose import is banned under Japan's Plant Protection Act, and even importable species require a species-name certificate from a foreign government body under the Invasive Alien Species Act (entry only via designated airports, never by international post). Whether a species may enter must be checked with the Plant Protection Station in advance, so choose domestically bred stock and never release captive beetles.

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