© Franz Xaver / CC BY-SA 3.0Hercules Lichyi
The Hercules Lichyi is a Colombian subspecies of the Hercules beetle, prized among enthusiasts for its long, strikingly straight horn. Compared to other Hercules beetle subspecies, its horn shape is especially distinctive, making it a favorite for display. Adults typically measure 80-170mm, with larger specimens offering an especially commanding presence. Adults live around 6 to 12 months, giving keepers a good stretch of time to enjoy their growth from larva onward. Because their care calls for careful attention to temperature and humidity, this species is best suited to experienced keepers rather than beginners.
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Hercules Lichyi key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- Adult 6-12 months
- Size
- 80-170mm
- Temperature
- 20〜25℃
- Diet
- Insect jelly
- Housing
- Keep in an extra-large case with at least 20cm of fermented substrate. Long-horned males tip over easily, so add footholds.
- Temperature & Humidity
- 20-25°C is suitable; avoid heat. Being from the highlands of Colombia and Ecuador, watch for rising temperatures in summer.
- Diet & Feeding
- Feed adults beetle jelly or banana. Adults live about 6-12 months; do not let the jelly run out.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Eggs are laid in the fermented substrate. The larval period is a long 12-24 months, so patience is needed until emergence.
- Notes
- Second largest subspecies after nominate
About Hercules Lichyi
The Hercules Lichyi is a Colombian Hercules beetle subspecies known for its long, straight horn. Adults reach 80-170mm and live 6-12 months, best suited to experienced keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Hercules Lichyi
1Best Suited to Experienced Keepers
The Hercules Lichyi is considered a high-difficulty species suited to experienced keepers. Managing temperature, humidity, and larval nutrition calls for hands-on beetle-keeping experience. First-time keepers may want to start with an easier species before taking one on.
2A Long, Signature Horn
Its standout feature is a long, remarkably straight horn. Among Hercules beetle subspecies, this straight-line horn shape stands out, and many keepers enjoy watching it develop as the beetle matures.
3Size Varies With Rearing
Adult size ranges widely from 80 to 170mm, largely shaped by how the larva is raised. Keepers aiming for a larger adult should pay close attention to temperature, humidity, and nutrition together.
4Adult Lifespan of 6-12 Months
As an adult, this beetle typically lives around 6 to 12 months. Including the larval stage extends the overall time you'll spend with it, but since adult time is limited, daily observation is worthwhile.
5Fed on Insect Jelly
Adults are mainly fed insect jelly. Keeping up with basic feeding tasks, like jelly placement and replacement, helps maintain a healthy beetle.
6Prepare the Habitat First
Before bringing one home, gather basic supplies like an enclosure, substrate, and insect jelly. It's also worth confirming you can maintain a stable temperature and humidity environment beforehand.
7Handling With Care
As a large beetle, it has considerable strength, so care is needed around its horn and legs. Handling it gently and avoiding unnecessary stress makes for an easier experience for both beetle and keeper.
Frequently asked questions about Hercules Lichyi
- Q.Can beginners keep a Hercules Lichyi?
- A.This species is considered suited to experienced keepers. Because it often requires careful temperature and humidity management, it's best approached after gaining some beetle-keeping experience.
- Q.How large do adults get?
- A.Adults typically range from 80 to 170mm, with notable variation between individuals. Larval rearing conditions are thought to influence final size.
- Q.How long do adults live?
- A.Adults generally live around 6 to 12 months. Including the larval stage, the overall time spent with the beetle is considerably longer.
- Q.What should I feed it day to day?
- A.Adults are fed insect jelly. Keeping up with basics like where it's placed and how often it's replaced is important for its care.
- Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping this species?
- A.The Hercules Lichyi is not subject to CITES. There are no special regulatory restrictions involved in keeping one.
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Learn more about Hercules Lichyi in the encyclopedia
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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