The numbers
Enclosure
Larvae: white-rotten hardwood + flake soil, multi-year rearing; adults in ventilated tub
Diet
Adults: sap/jelly, fruit; larvae eat rotten hardwood · Adults: jelly/fruit every 1-2 days; larvae: substrate lasts months
Temperature
16-24C (temperate; needs cool)
Humidity
60-80%
Identity
Order / Family
Coleoptera
IUCN / CITES
IUCN Near Threatened (Europe); legally protected in parts of EU
Difficulty
Advanced
Commonality
Iconic but rarely traded (protected); listed for reference
Adult size
Body 35-85mm; males with antler-like jaws
Lifespan
Larva ~3-6 yrs (very long); adult only ~1-3 mo
Growth rate
Very slow
Activity & niche
Crepuscular; adults on sap; larvae in decaying underground hardwood
Temperament
Males wrestle; docile to keeper
Venom / defense
Harmless - no venom; male jaws weak, female bite stronger
Price (THB)
Rarely/legally sold (protected) - not a TH-trade item
Enclosure and conditions
Temperature
16-24C (temperate; needs cool)
Humidity
60-80%
Min. enclosure
Larvae: white-rotten hardwood + flake soil, multi-year rearing; adults in ventilated tub
Substrate
Larvae: decayed hardwood / flake soil; adults: coco/soil + bark
Hides / decor / water
Rotten logs, bark; mist
Diet
Staple food
Adults: sap/jelly, fruit; larvae eat rotten hardwood
Feeding frequency
Adults: jelly/fruit every 1-2 days; larvae: substrate lasts months
Behaviour and handling
Handling
Gentle; support body
Communal
House individually
Defense / stress signs
Jaw display, freezing
Reproduction
Reproduction
Eggs near rotten wood -> L1-L3 over years -> pupa -> short-lived adult
Common health problems
Common health issues
SignsVery long cycle losses; desiccation; failed eclosion
Red flags / quarantine
SignsLEGAL: protected in EU - do not collect wild; never release; check legality
Good to know
- Larvae can spend up to six years underground before a single summer as an adult
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