The numbers
Enclosure
40 × 30 cm
Diet
Adults: beetle jelly, banana; larvae: protein-enriched flake soil (unusual - grubs are carnivorous-leaning) · Adults: jelly daily; larvae: protein + substrate refresh regularly
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
60-75%
Identity
Order / Family
Coleoptera
IUCN / CITES
Not evaluated; not CITES
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Prized giant; less common, tricky larvae
Adult size
Body 50-110mm; among the heaviest insects
Lifespan
Larva ~5-9 mo; adult ~2-4 mo
Growth rate
Fast but demanding
Activity & niche
Diurnal; adults on sap/fruit; larvae need protein-rich diet
Temperament
Placid giant; harmless
Venom / defense
Harmless - no venom; strong clinging claws
Price (THB)
indicative ~1,000-5,000
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
24-28C
Humidity
60-75%
Min. enclosure
Larvae REARED SEPARATELY in 3-6L; adults 40x30cm+ tall with bark
Substrate
Larvae: flake soil PLUS added protein (e.g. dog/fish food, cat kibble); adults: coco/soil + bark
Hides / decor / water
Sturdy branches, bark; mist for humidity
Diet
Staple food
Adults: beetle jelly, banana; larvae: protein-enriched flake soil (unusual - grubs are carnivorous-leaning)
Feeding frequency
Adults: jelly daily; larvae: protein + substrate refresh regularly
Supplements
Protein pellets crucial for larval growth
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Docile; heavy - support fully
Communal
Rear larvae apart (aggressive); separate males
Defense / stress signs
Buzzing, leg-bracing
Reproduction
Reproduction
Eggs -> L1-L3 (protein-hungry) -> pupa in hard cocoon -> adult
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsLarval death from low protein, mould, failed eclosion
Red flags / quarantine
SignsNon-native - never release; provide protein or larvae fail; mites
Good to know
- One of the largest beetles by mass, and its grubs crave meat-like protein to grow
Others in this group
Japanese rhinoceros beetleTrypoxylus dichotomus (formerly Allomyrina)Atlas beetleChalcosoma atlasSiamese rhinoceros / fighting beetleXylotrupes gideon (TH pops. often X. socrates)Giant stag beetleDorcus titanus (syn. Serrognathus titanus)Sun beetle (fruit beetle)Pachnoda marginata (peregrina)Hercules beetleDynastes herculesGiant flower beetleMecynorhina torquataGiraffe stag beetleProsopocoilus giraffa