© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle
The Hyllus rhinoceros beetle is a striking large Mexican species known for its glossy, bright yellowish-brown body and pear-shaped rear outline. Among the species called white rhinoceros beetles, it ranks as one of the largest, with males typically reaching 42 to 90mm and exceptional captive-bred specimens recorded in the upper 90s, including one report in the 98mm class. Its difficulty level is intermediate, and because males fight with their horns, keeping them individually is the basic rule. Adults live about 4 to 8 months, and raising them from the larval stage is a rewarding experience.
View Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle encyclopedia →Breeder Wanted!
List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
BreederDirect's 6 Transparency Commitments
When listing Insects, Breeders disclose the following. We guarantee transparency on growth stage and breeding unit.
- Life Stage Clarity
- Generation Info
- Real Photos
- Breeding Unit
- Country of Origin
- Body Length (mm)
Browse all 336 breeds
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified breeders (preview)
Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Adults 4-8 months
- Size
- Males 42-90mm (recorded above 97mm), females 52-61mm
- Temperature
- 18°C or above, below 30°C
- Diet
- Adults take beetle jelly; larvae eat fermented substrate
- Temperature & Humidity
- In the wild it occurs mainly between 1,000 and 1,600 metres, and for the congeneric D. grantii it is reported that the beetle cannot survive above 30C. Keep the substrate at a moisture that forms a ball when squeezed.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- The female builds an egg chamber in firmly packed substrate at the base of the container. The larvae run about twenty percent larger than those of D. grantii. The BE-KUWA 2025 edition lists a captive record of 98.2mm for the nominate subspecies (Shinichi Sugimoto, registered 2012, expected maximum 105mm).
- Cohabitation
- Adults are kept singly and put together only for pairing. Males fight with their horns and must always be separated. Do not mix beetles of different localities or subspecies.
- Lifespan & Rearing Period
- In the wild adults appear from May to November and are active chiefly from July to October.
- Health & Notes
- In 2001 it was reckoned second only to the congeneric D. satanas in rarity in Japan, but captive-bred beetles now circulate. Wild beetles are usually 55-60mm, so do not expect the size of large captive stock. Importing foreign rhinoceros beetles falls under the Plant Protection Act, and whether a given species may enter depends on the country it comes from, so domestically bred stock is the safe choice.
About Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle
A large Mexican rhinoceros beetle with a glossy, bright yellowish-brown body. One of the largest white rhinoceros beetles, males reach 42-90mm. Intermediate difficulty, and individual housing is the basic rule.
7 things to know before welcoming a Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle
1Bright Yellowish-Brown Color, Large Build
The body is a glossy, bright yellowish-brown, ranging from strongly yellowish to pale bluish-white. Males typically grow to 42-90mm, and captive-bred giants have been recorded exceeding 97mm, with one report reaching the 98mm class.
2Always Separate the Males
Adults should be kept individually, and only housed together for pairing. Males fight with their horns, so always keep them apart, and do not mix individuals of different localities or subspecies.
3Intermediate Difficulty
This species is rated intermediate in difficulty, so you need to handle the basics well, such as temperature control and substrate moisture. Choosing an individual bred within Japan is the safer option.
4Adults Live 4 to 8 Months
Adults live about 4 to 8 months. In the wild they appear from May to November and are mainly active from July to October.
5Setting Up the Enclosure
Because this is a large beetle, it helps to prepare an enclosure with reasonable width and depth. Keep the substrate moderately moist and place the case somewhere temperatures won't swing to extremes.
6Insect Jelly Is the Staple Food
The adult beetle's main food is commercial insect jelly, which should be replaced regularly so it never runs out. During the larval stage, a well-balanced fermented substrate is commonly used for feeding.
7What to Prepare Beforehand
Before bringing one home, it helps to have the basics ready in advance — an enclosure, insect substrate, a climbing branch, and insect jelly. Since this is a large species, it's a good idea to choose a case with some extra room to accommodate its adult size.
Frequently asked questions about Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle
- Q.Can beginners keep a Hyllus rhinoceros beetle?
- A.It is rated intermediate in difficulty. If you get the basics right, such as keeping the temperature at 18°C or above and below 30°C and keeping the substrate moist enough to clump when squeezed, you can raise it. Choosing an individual bred within Japan is the safer option.
- Q.How large does a Hyllus rhinoceros beetle grow?
- A.Males typically grow to around 42-90mm, and captive-bred individuals have been recorded exceeding 97mm, with one report reaching the 98mm class. Growth varies between individuals, so these figures should be taken as general guidance.
- Q.How long does a Hyllus rhinoceros beetle live?
- A.Adults live about 4 to 8 months. In the wild they appear from May to November and are mainly active from July to October.
- Q.Is its temperament aggressive?
- A.Males fight each other with their horns, so always keep them separate and house them individually. Adults should only be housed together for pairing.
- Q.Is the Hyllus rhinoceros beetle covered by CITES?
- A.No, the Hyllus rhinoceros beetle is not covered by CITES. This is worth keeping in mind if you're considering keeping one.
Useful tools for Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle care
Learn more about Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle in the encyclopedia
View Hyllus Rhinoceros Beetle encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the one you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.