Palawan Giant Stag Beetle

Dorcus titanus palawanicus, the Palawan stag beetle, is a subspecies of the giant flat stag beetle endemic to Palawan Island in the Philippines. It is the largest known Dorcus species, with males reaching up to 110 mm in body length. The body is notably broad and flattened, and the mandibles are exceptionally powerful—making this species famous in beetle fighting competitions. Optimal captive temperature is 22–27°C with humidity around 65–80%. Larvae develop best in fungal substrate bottles; two to three bottle changes are recommended for producing large adults. Egg-laying occurs in both hardwood logs and fermented substrate. Adults feed on beetle jelly and live 1–2 years, an impressive lifespan for the genus. Its combination of record size, formidable strength, and the challenge of breeding for maximum size makes the Palawan stag beetle one of the most popular stag beetles in the hobby.

Beetle jelly (adult), mushroom bottle (larva)