Hercules Reidi
Hercules reidi is a small-bodied Hercules beetle subspecies found only on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. Males grow a long, slender head horn that, unlike other Hercules subspecies, lacks a basal projection, while their glossy forewings carry bold black markings much like the nominate form, giving the beetle a striking, sculptural look. It sits close to the Martinique-native baudrii, each island form showing its own character. Temperament is calm like other Hercules beetles, but its large size calls for real husbandry experience, making it a pick better suited to advanced keepers.
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Hercules Reidi key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- Adults 8-12 months
- Size
- Males 60-113 mm / females 47-62 mm
- Temperature
- 20〜26℃
- Diet
- Beetle jelly, banana
- Temperature & Humidity
- Keep at roughly 20-26 C and avoid Japanese summer heat. An island form from the Caribbean; manage it like the nominate subspecies.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- Females lay in fermented substrate packed 20 cm or deeper. Rear larvae singly in roughly 10 L containers; the larval period is long, 1-1.5 years for females and 1.5-2 years for males, and shortens at higher temperatures.
- Cohabitation
- Basically mild-tempered, but fights over food, so keep singly. Very rarely a male crushes and kills a female, so never leave a pair unattended.
- Lifespan & Rearing Period
- Adults live about 8-12 months. Egg to emergence takes 1.5-2.5 years, so patience is needed.
- Health & Notes
- The thoracic and cephalic horns pinch very hard, so keep fingers clear. A cramped enclosure stresses males and shortens their life. Long-horned males tip over easily, so add footholds.
About Hercules Reidi
Hercules reidi is a small Hercules beetle subspecies endemic to Saint Lucia, known for its slender head horn and glossy, boldly marked forewings — a beetle best suited to experienced keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Hercules Reidi
1Best for advanced keepers
Hercules reidi is considered a species for advanced keepers. Prior experience with large beetles — managing temperature and humidity, and setting up a spacious enclosure — makes the transition much smoother.
2Adult lifespan: 8–12 months
As an adult, this beetle typically lives around 8 to 12 months after emerging. Since some time may have already passed since emergence by the time you bring one home, it helps to plan care around the remaining adult lifespan.
3Size difference between sexes
Males range from 60 to 113mm while females measure 47 to 62mm, a notably large gap between the sexes. If keeping a pair, choose an enclosure sized for the larger males.
4Horn lacks a basal spur
Males grow a long, slender head horn, and unlike some other Hercules subspecies, it lacks a projection at the base — a useful identifying feature. The horn shape can also help distinguish individuals.
5Calm and manageable temperament
Like other Hercules beetles, this subspecies is generally calm in nature. That said, it is large and strong, so handle it calmly and mind its legs and claws when picking it up.
6Temperature and humidity control
Avoid excessive heat, humidity, or dryness, and keep the enclosure in a well-ventilated spot. Choose a placement where room temperature won't climb too high.
7What to prepare before arrival
Have a spacious enclosure suited to large beetles, footholds so it can right itself if it flips over, and insect jelly or similar food ready in advance. If raising from larva, you'll also need substrate and other dedicated rearing supplies.
Frequently asked questions about Hercules Reidi
- Q.Can beginners keep Hercules reidi?
- A.It's regarded as a species for advanced keepers, so prior experience with large beetles is recommended. It generally requires more attention to temperature, humidity, and enclosure space than smaller beetles.
- Q.How long do adults live?
- A.Adults typically live around 8 to 12 months after emerging. The remaining lifespan varies depending on how much time has already passed since emergence when you bring one home.
- Q.How much do males and females differ in size?
- A.Males measure 60 to 113mm and females 47 to 62mm, a substantial difference in size. Combined with the presence or absence of a head horn, telling the sexes apart is fairly straightforward.
- Q.How does it differ from other Hercules beetle subspecies?
- A.It's a subspecies endemic to Saint Lucia, distinguished by a long, slender male head horn without a basal projection. Its glossy forewings and bold black markings closely resemble the nominate form.
- Q.Is Hercules reidi subject to CITES?
- A.No, Hercules reidi is not subject to CITES.
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