© Sarefo / CC BY-SA 3.0Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle
Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle is a large stag beetle native to the forests of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra. Its glossy blackish-brown body and the long, well-developed jaws of large males are the main draw — captive-bred specimens have reached 78.7mm, with wild individuals recorded up to 81.5mm. Like most shining stag beetles, it tends to stay hidden by day and become active at night, and is generally regarded as fairly calm for a beetle. Males show one of three jaw forms typical of the genus, so no two adults look quite alike as they mature. Larvae take their time developing in semi-decomposed humus, making larval rearing a rewarding part of keeping this species. Considered suited to intermediate keepers, it's a good fit once you're comfortable with basic temperature and humidity management.
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Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- A few months as an adult
- Size
- Captive record 78.7mm, wild record 81.5mm
- Diet
- Adults take fermented sap of broadleaf trees and beetle jelly; larvae eat humus close to soil
- Temperature & Humidity
- Odontolabis adults and larvae alike tolerate cold poorly and are said to be unable to survive a winter on mainland Japan or further north. Do not let the substrate dry out.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- The larvae feed on humus formed where broadleaf wood has rotted down close to soil. For the genus, spent substrate mixed with the remains of mycelium or nitrogen-rich rhinoceros-beetle substrate is used for the larvae, with red-rotted flake worth trying if no eggs are obtained. The captive record stands at 78.7 mm.
- Cohabitation
- Male Odontolabis are for the most part short-tempered and combative, and a male will sometimes kill a female he does not take to. Several are never kept together and each beetle is housed alone. The larvae too hold their chamber in the humus as territory, attacking and sometimes eating intruders, so they are reared separately.
- Lifespan & Rearing Period
- For the genus, one to two years pass between hatching and pupation and the adults live a few months. Beetles that have been active for about a month and a half are said to start losing tarsi and antennal segments to necrosis at an increasing rate.
- Health & Notes
- Published sources place the species on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra while the trade also offers it as Javan stock, so check the stated locality when buying. Importing live Scarabaeoidea requires the species identification certificate. Odontolabis larvae compete strongly with other species, so the beetles must never be released or abandoned outdoors.
About Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle
Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle, a large stag beetle from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, is prized for its long jaws — up to 78.7mm captive-bred and 81.5mm in the wild. An intermediate-level species to keep.
7 things to know before welcoming a Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle
1Suited to Intermediate Keepers
Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle is generally considered a species for intermediate keepers. Some prior experience managing temperature and humidity for stag beetles will help you keep it successfully.
2Three Jaw Forms
Like other beetles in its genus, males display one of three jaw forms, with large males developing the long-toothed form. This means no two males look exactly alike as they mature.
3Adults Live Only Months
Adult beetles are typically active for only a few months, shorter than some other stag beetle species. It's worth planning to enjoy this limited window rather than expecting a multi-year companion.
4Larvae Need Humus Substrate
Larvae develop slowly in semi-decomposed humus substrate. Keeping the substrate from drying out is key to healthy larval growth.
5Typical Maximum Size
Captive-bred specimens have reached 78.7mm, while wild individuals have been recorded up to 81.5mm. Larval-stage care has a strong influence on how large an adult eventually grows.
6Nocturnal and Shy
Like most shining stag beetles, it tends to stay hidden during the day and becomes active at night. Provide hiding spots in the enclosure so it can rest undisturbed.
7Native to Malaysia and Sumatra
This species is native to the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, both warm and humid tropical regions. Aiming for a similarly warm, humid environment makes day-to-day care more manageable.
Frequently asked questions about Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle
- Q.How large does Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle get?
- A.Captive-bred specimens have reached 78.7mm, and wild individuals have been recorded up to 81.5mm. Large males can develop the long-toothed jaw form typical of the genus.
- Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?
- A.It's generally considered a species for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. Some experience with temperature and humidity management is recommended before taking one on.
- Q.How long do adults live?
- A.Adults are typically active for only a few months. That's shorter than some other stag beetle species, so it's worth keeping in mind after bringing one home.
- Q.What should I know about raising the larvae?
- A.Larvae develop in semi-decomposed humus substrate and need consistent moisture, so avoid letting it dry out. Give them time, since they grow slowly compared to some other species.
- Q.Are there any legal restrictions on keeping this species?
- A.Wollaston's Shining Stag Beetle is not subject to CITES.
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