Beccari's three-horned beetle

Beccari's three-horned beetle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Size

Captive record 78.1mm

Diet

Adults take beetle jelly; larvae eat fermented substrate

Temperature & Humidity

The ideal temperature is unclear, but many records come from the New Guinea highlands, so keep it away from places where summer heat builds up.

Breeding & Egg-laying

The detailed breeding conditions are unclear. Following relatives in the same subtribe such as Chalcosoma, provide a deep layer of fermented substrate for laying.

Cohabitation

Males fight with their horns, so keep adults singly and together only for mating.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Larval duration and adult lifespan are unclear.

Health & Notes

It may be labelled under the old genus Beckius or under older placements in Chalcosoma or Eupatorus, so check the scientific name and subspecies. 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 Beccari's three-horned beetle

Beccari's three-horned beetle is the only species in the genus Debeckius, found in New Guinea. Also sold under the old genus name Beckius and divided into three subspecies, it's a rewarding beetle for intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Beccari's three-horned beetle

1. 1Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   Beccari's three-horned beetle is considered a species for intermediate-level keepers. It calls for reasonably careful temperature and humidity management, so some prior experience with beetle keeping is helpful. First-time insect keepers should brush up on the basics before bringing one home.

2. 2Mostly Recorded From the Highlands

   This beetle is native to New Guinea, and most records come from highland areas. There's little numerical data on its temperature needs, so avoid places where summer heat builds up and aim for an environment without sudden temperature swings.

3. 3Japanese Name Refers to Three Horns

   Its Japanese name, meaning "three-horned," refers to its horns. Detailed information on horn shape and development is limited, and size varies between individuals. The BE-KUWA captive-bred record is 78.1mm.

4. 4Variation Across Three Subspecies

   The species is divided into three subspecies, with body shape and coloration varying slightly by region of origin. Paying attention to which subspecies you're getting can add another layer of enjoyment.

5. 5Best Kept Individually

   Horned males can be territorial and prone to fighting, so it's best to avoid housing multiple males together and to keep them individually. Cohabiting with a female is generally best reserved for breeding attempts.

6. 6Limited Data on Lifespan

   There isn't much published data on how long Beccari's three-horned beetle typically lives, since documented keeping records and research remain limited. After bringing one home, keep an eye on its day-to-day condition and activity level.

7. 7Larval Care Matters Too

   Beyond the adult beetle, how you manage the substrate and temperature during the larval stage matters just as much. Avoiding abrupt environmental changes and keeping the setup clean supports healthy development.

Frequently asked questions about Beccari's three-horned beetle

Q.How difficult is it to keep?

A.It's considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Since temperature and humidity management require some know-how, prior experience keeping beetles will help you feel more confident.

Q.How large do adults grow?

A.A record specimen of 78.1mm has been documented among kept individuals. Size varies depending on the individual and subspecies.

Q.How long do they live?

A.There isn't much detailed information available yet, so a clear lifespan hasn't been established. You'll need to observe the individual's condition as you keep it.

Q.Is it listed under CITES?

A.Beccari's three-horned beetle is not covered by 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.

Q.I've seen it listed under genus Beckius — is that a different species?

A.No, it's the same species. It's currently classified under the genus Debeckius, but it was formerly placed in Beckius, so you may still see it listed under that older name.

Useful tools for Beccari's three-horned beetle care

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