Metallifer Stag Beetle

Cyclommatus metallifer, the metallifer stag beetle, is native to Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands, Indonesia. It is renowned for its extraordinarily long mandibles, which in large males can equal or even exceed the body length itself—a proportional extreme unmatched among stag beetles. Body length excluding mandibles is approximately 30–90 mm, and the body displays a striking metallic reddish-brown to golden sheen. The slender build combined with the metallic coloration gives it an elegant, almost jewel-like appearance. Optimal captive temperature is 22–26°C. A medium enclosure with hardwood egg-laying logs is appropriate; larvae develop relatively quickly, completing development in approximately 4–8 months. Adults live 3–8 months. Care must be taken when handling, as the elongated mandibles can inflict painful pinches. The combination of record-proportioned mandibles and vivid metallic coloration makes C. metallifer one of the most visually striking and popular exotic stag beetles.

Insect jelly