Hopei Stag Beetle

Dorcus hopei hopei is the nominate subspecies of the giant stag beetle complex, native to China and Taiwan. It closely resembles the Japanese giant stag beetle (D. h. binodulosus) in body form and coloration, with adults reaching 40–85 mm in body length; exceptional specimens can exceed 80 mm. The body is a deep glossy black with thick, powerful mandibles. Husbandry is virtually identical to that of the Japanese giant stag: medium enclosure with ventilated lid, hardwood egg-laying logs, and fungal substrate bottles for larval rearing to maximize size. Recommended temperature is 20–26°C, and adults enjoy a lifespan of 1–3 years—unusually long for stag beetles. Adults are fed beetle jelly. The combination of familiar care requirements, long adult lifespan, and the potential to produce 80 mm-plus specimens makes D. h. hopei a highly popular species for enthusiasts targeting large specimens.

Insect jelly