Cacicus Goliath Beetle

Cacicus Goliath Beetle key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Adults 5-8 months

Size

Males 50-100mm, females 58-79mm

Diet

Adults take tree sap and fruit; larvae require animal protein

Temperature & Humidity

In Goliathus the temperature that suits the larvae is said to change with the stage of development, so avoid keeping them at one constant temperature, and do not let the substrate dry out.

Breeding & Egg-laying

As in the rest of the genus the larvae are strongly cannibalistic and have to be raised on high-protein food. Ben's Beetle Breeding Pages rates this species as harder to breed than the other Goliathus and says no captive breeding is known to the author.

Cohabitation

Rear the larvae one per container. Adult males fight, so do not house them together, and do not mix the species with others.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

In the congener Goliathus regius the larvae take about four months to mature and adults can live over a year in captivity; with little stock and few records for this species, plan along the same lines.

Health & Notes

Live stock is rarely exported and seldom available. Importing it requires the species identification certificate demanded for live Scarabaeoidea. Animal food attracts mould and mites, so remove anything uneaten.

About Cacicus Goliath Beetle

A large West African beetle with striking sexual dimorphism: males have silvery-white elytra and an orange pronotum, while females are matte white. Adults reach 50–100mm (males) and 58–79mm (females); recommended for experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Cacicus Goliath Beetle

1. 1Striking Male-Female Colors

   Males have gleaming silvery-white elytra and an orange pronotum, while females are a plain matte white with no gloss. The two sexes can look like entirely different species, so it is worth confirming which sex you are bringing home.

2. 2Suited to Experienced Keepers

   Success with this species depends on carefully managing temperature, humidity, and diet. It is better suited to keepers who already have experience raising beetles from larva through to adulthood.

3. 3Size Differs by Sex

   Adults range from 50–100mm in males to 58–79mm in females, with males generally growing larger. This size variation between the sexes is part of what makes the species interesting to observe.

4. 4Larval Diet Quality Matters

   Larvae take a long time to develop, and the quality of their substrate or fermented diet directly affects the size and coloring of the adult beetle. Check and refresh the material regularly.

5. 5Recreate a West African Climate

   Keeping temperature and humidity close to the species' native West African range is key to good health. Avoid sudden temperature swings and keep conditions in the enclosure stable.

6. 6Handle With Care

   Like other large flower beetles, this species has strong legs with sharp claws that can catch on skin or fabric. Handle it gently rather than gripping it firmly.

7. 7Prepare the Setup in Advance

   Have the enclosure, substrate, and temperature and humidity control equipment ready before bringing your beetle home so it can settle in right away. Confirm the room it will live in stays at a stable temperature.

Frequently asked questions about Cacicus Goliath Beetle

Q.Why do males and females look so different?

A.This species is known for unusually strong sexual dimorphism even within the Goliathus genus. Males show a clear silvery-white and orange color scheme, while females are a plain matte white — this is simply a natural feature of the species.

Q.Can a beginner keep this beetle?

A.This species is generally considered suited to experienced keepers, since it calls for careful management of temperature, humidity, and diet. It is best approached after gaining experience with other beetle species first.

Q.How big do the adults get?

A.Males typically reach 50–100mm and females 58–79mm. The noticeable size difference between the sexes is one of the species' distinguishing traits.

Q.Should I choose a male or a female?

A.It depends on your preference and what you enjoy about keeping beetles. A male suits those drawn to the silvery-white and orange coloring, while a female suits those who prefer the plain white look.

Q.How long do the adults live?

A.Lifespan varies with the individual and how it is kept, so no single figure applies. Keeping temperature and humidity stable and providing quality food are the best ways to support a healthy life.

Useful tools for Cacicus Goliath Beetle care

Learn more about Cacicus Goliath Beetle in the encyclopedia

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