Rhinoceros Stag Beetle

Rhinoceros Stag Beetle key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Adults 4-7 months

Size

Males 65-90mm (wild max 109mm), females 35-45mm

Temperature

23〜25℃

Diet

Beetle jelly (adults); kinshi bottles or fermented substrate (larvae)

Temperature & Humidity

Adults at 23-25C, larvae at 20-25C. Run the laying set a little warmer, around 25C. If it exceeds 30C keep the case drier and well ventilated.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Adults feed 1-2 months after eclosion and mature about a month later. Lay Quercus logs on mature substrate; eggs go near the log surface. Not prolific and females vary greatly. Leave the set untouched for 1-2 months.

Cohabitation

Aggressive; house singly. Pair with the male's mandibles tied for 3-7 days, then separate. Remove the male once the female starts chewing the log.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

Adults live 4-7 months. On kinshi, larvae emerge in 9-11 months (males) or 7-9 months (females), a little longer on substrate; slow cool rearing for size can approach 18 months.

Health & Notes

Wild adults have unknown remaining life and may be mixed up or hybridised with H. mandibularis or H. parryi from the same island. Identify emerged offspring by the clypeal horn and mandible curvature.

About Rhinoceros Stag Beetle

The Rhinoceros Stag Beetle is Indonesia's second-largest Hexarthrius species, known for its horn-like head projection and split mandibles. A good match for intermediate-level keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Rhinoceros Stag Beetle

1. 1Split-Tipped Mandibles

   The Rhinoceros Stag Beetle's defining feature is its curved mandibles that split into two prongs at the tip. Males also have a horn-like projection on the clypeus reminiscent of a rhino's horn, giving them a striking look unlike other stag beetles.

2. 2Best Suited to Intermediate Keepers

   This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate-level keepers, since raising strong adults calls for some experience with temperature control and timing mycelium bottle changes. First-time keepers should build up basic stag beetle husbandry knowledge before taking one on.

3. 3Adult Lifespan of 4-7 Months

   Adults typically live around four to seven months. That's neither unusually long nor short for a stag beetle, but it makes daily observation all the more worthwhile during the time you share.

4. 4Size Varies Between Individuals

   Males generally range from 65 to 90mm, with wild specimens recorded up to 109mm at the largest. Females are smaller, around 35 to 45mm, and don't develop the pronounced head projection seen in males.

5. 5Temperature Control Matters

   This species doesn't tolerate high heat well, so keeping the enclosure out of direct sunlight in a cool spot is essential. Plan the placement and environment ahead of time, especially to avoid summer temperature spikes indoors.

6. 6Never House Males Together

   Two males kept in the same enclosure will fight fiercely with their mandibles and can seriously injure each other. Keep each adult in its own separate enclosure after bringing them home.

7. 7Prepare Supplies Before Bringing One Home

   Before your beetle arrives, set up a well-ventilated enclosure with insect substrate, a climbing branch, and food such as insect jelly. Choose an enclosure sized appropriately for an adult of this species.

Frequently asked questions about Rhinoceros Stag Beetle

Q.Is the Rhinoceros Stag Beetle subject to CITES?

A.No, the Rhinoceros Stag Beetle is not subject to CITES.

Q.Can beginners keep this species?

A.This species is generally considered suited to intermediate keepers, and some experience with temperature control and mycelium bottles is helpful. If you're completely new to the hobby, it may be worth starting with an easier species first and building up your basics before taking one on.

Q.Can males and females be housed together?

A.Outside of breeding purposes, keeping them together long-term isn't recommended. Males in particular will fight fiercely with their mandibles, so housing each beetle separately is the standard approach.

Q.How long can I keep an adult beetle?

A.Adults live roughly four to seven months. Since the remaining lifespan depends on how long the beetle has already been an adult when you get it, it's worth checking that before you bring one home.

Q.How big does this species get?

A.Males generally range from 65 to 90mm, with a wild record of up to 109mm. Females are smaller, at around 35 to 45mm.

Useful tools for Rhinoceros Stag Beetle care

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