Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle

Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Adults 6 months to 1 year

Size

Males 28-94 mm (wild record 94.0 mm, captive record 83.2 mm) / females 20-30 mm

Temperature

18〜23℃

Diet

Beetle jelly (in the wild it gathers at the flowers of herbaceous plants)

Temperature & Humidity

Keep at 18-23 C; up to 20 C is ideal for both adults and larvae in this montane species. It is intolerant of heat, so summer temperature control is needed. Cyclommatus must not be kept where condensation forms, so ventilate well.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Use a substrate-only set packed firm, though not as hard as for a flat stag; bury fragments of wood as footholds and she will lay around them. About 18-20 C is ideal while laying. Allow one to two months of maturation after emergence and pair once the beetle starts feeding.

Cohabitation

House singly. In Cyclommatus the sexes differ greatly in size, so housing them together risks the male killing the female; keep valuable stock separately.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Adults live six months to a year. Larvae take 8-14 months for males and 5-8 for females; use 1400 cc bottles for males and 800 cc for females. Feeding starts two to five weeks after emergence, and a beetle that runs out of food dies, so put jelly in before it starts feeding.

Health & Notes

First instars are fragile, so start them on lightly fortified substrate and move to richer substrate from the second instar to reduce losses. Males and females almost always emerge out of step, so keep at least two lines if breeding every year. It is harder to breed than Dorcus species.

About Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle

Meet the Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle, one of New Guinea's largest stag beetles, prized for its thick mandibles and vivid color variation. An advanced-level species guide covering care basics and common questions.

7 things to know before welcoming a Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle

1. 1Advanced-Level Care

   The Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle is considered suitable for experienced keepers. Managing temperature, humidity, and larval food changes calls for some prior stag beetle experience. First-time keepers should build up basic care knowledge before bringing one home.

2. 2Striking Size Variation in Males

   Adult males range from about 28 to 94mm, with noticeable variation in mandible thickness and length between individuals. The wild record stands at 94.0mm, while the captive-bred record is 83.2mm. This means every male can look quite different, adding to the species' appeal.

3. 3Rich Color Variation

   Coloration ranges widely across red, purple, blue, green, and copper tones, so individuals can look strikingly different from one another. Part of the appeal of this species is not knowing exactly what shade you'll get.

4. 4Smaller, More Compact Females

   Adult females measure around 20 to 30mm, noticeably smaller than males. Unlike the males' prominent mandibles, females tend to have a compact, understated look. If keeping a pair, it helps to keep this size difference in mind.

5. 5A Six-Month-to-One-Year Adult Lifespan

   As an adult, this species typically lives for six months to a year. Lifespan can vary with husbandry and individual condition, so consistent temperature control and feeding help you enjoy time with your beetle for as long as possible.

6. 6Prepare the Enclosure in Advance

   As a large species with prominent mandibles, it needs a suitably spacious enclosure and insect substrate to burrow into, so it's best to set up the habitat before the beetle arrives. Having basics like a feeding dish and climbing branches ready in advance makes the transition smoother.

7. 7Watch for Temperature Swings

   Originating from tropical New Guinea, this species is sensitive to extreme cold and sudden temperature changes. Consider where you'll place the enclosure and how you'll keep conditions stable before bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle

Q.Can beginners keep this species?

A.This species is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than beginners. If you're new to stag beetles, it may help to start with an easier species and build up experience first.

Q.How do males and females differ in appearance?

A.Males range from about 28 to 94mm and are known for their thick, elongated mandibles, with considerable variation between individuals. Females are smaller, around 20 to 30mm, with much less prominent mandibles.

Q.How long do adults live?

A.Adults typically live for about six months to a year. The exact lifespan can vary depending on the individual and the care provided.

Q.What color variations exist?

A.Individuals can display a wide range of colors, including red, purple, blue, green, and copper. The exact shade varies from one beetle to another.

Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping this species?

A.The Imperator Long-jawed Stag Beetle is not subject to CITES.

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