Lord Howe Island stag beetle

Lord Howe Island stag beetle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Little data (adults may rest more than a year after eclosion before feeding)

Size

Little data (no large long-jawed males)

Diet

Adults take beetle jelly; larvae eat rotten wood and fermented substrate

Temperature & Humidity

There is little numeric data on temperature or humidity. Avoid extreme heat and do not let the substrate dry out.

Breeding & Egg-laying

New adults may rest for more than a year before they start to feed. Leave them undisturbed and pair them only once they are feeding.

Cohabitation

Keep adults singly and put pairs together only for mating.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Because of the long rest after eclosion, it takes years to get from egg to an adult ready to breed.

Health & Notes

It resembles L. aurata but lacks long-jawed males and shows little colour variation. The wild population was badly depleted by illegal collecting by Japanese nationals, so treat island stock as off-limits and choose domestically bred beetles. Importing foreign stag and rhinoceros beetles is regulated by the Plant Protection Act and the Invasive Alien Species Act (species-name certificate), with each species needing clearance from the Plant Protection Station, so domestically bred stock is the safe choice. Never release captive beetles.

About Lord Howe Island stag beetle

A guide to the Lord Howe Island stag beetle (Insularis jewel stag beetle) — appearance, care difficulty, and answers to common questions for prospective keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Lord Howe Island stag beetle

1. 1Endemic to Lord Howe Island

   The Insularis jewel stag beetle occurs naturally only on Lord Howe Island in the South Pacific. It isn't found in the wild anywhere else, making it a distinctive, island-endemic population.

2. 2Care Level: Intermediate

   This species is generally rated as suited to intermediate keepers. It helps to already be comfortable with the basics of stag beetle care, such as managing mushroom-log bottles, substrate, and temperature, before bringing one home.

3. 3Males and Females Wear Different Colors

   Males have a glossy green sheen, while females are a deep purple that can appear greenish depending on the light. The same individual can look quite different from one angle to another.

4. 4Mandibles Stay Compact

   Unlike its close relative the golden stag beetle, this species never produces oversized males with dramatically elongated mandibles. Its overall build stays compact and well-proportioned.

5. 5Dormancy Can Run Long After Emergence

   Some individuals stay dormant for over a year after eclosion before they start feeding. Don't be alarmed if a newly emerged beetle takes its time to become active.

6. 6Lifespan and Size Data Are Limited

   Documented information on this species' typical lifespan and adult size is scarce. It's worth observing and keeping notes on each individual's development after you bring one home.

7. 7Prepare Your Setup Before Bringing One Home

   Because dormancy periods can run long, it helps to have mushroom-log bottles, substrate, and a temperature-controlled space ready before your beetle arrives.

Frequently asked questions about Lord Howe Island stag beetle

Q.How long does the Lord Howe Island stag beetle live?

A.Detailed lifespan data for this species is limited. Some individuals remain dormant for over a year after emerging before they begin feeding, so adult activity periods appear to vary between individuals.

Q.Can I get one with large, elongated mandibles?

A.Unlike the closely related golden stag beetle, this species doesn't produce oversized males with dramatically long mandibles. Its build tends to stay compact and well-balanced.

Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?

A.This species is not subject to CITES. Many live foreign Scarabaeoidea (stag beetles, rhinoceros beetles, flower chafers and relatives) are quarantine pests whose import is banned under Japan's Plant Protection Act, and even importable species require a species-name certificate from a foreign government body under the Invasive Alien Species Act (entry only via designated airports, never by international post). Whether a species may enter must be checked with the Plant Protection Station in advance, so choose domestically bred stock and never release captive beetles.

Q.Is this beetle suitable for beginners?

A.This species is generally rated as suited to intermediate keepers. Some prior experience with basic stag beetle care is helpful before taking one on.

Q.How can I tell males and females apart?

A.Males have a glossy green color, while females are a deep purple that can look greenish depending on the light. This color difference is the main way to distinguish between them.

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