Product Description

The Hexarthrius mandibularis, known as one of the largest and most visually stunning stag beetles, is a prized pet for beetle enthusiasts around the world. With its massive mandibles, glossy black body, and calm temperament, this species offers both visual appeal and ease of care—making it ideal for beginner and advanced keepers alike.

🧬 Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Hexarthrius mandibularis

• Common Name: Giant Stag Beetle

• Origin: Southeast Asia (primarily Indonesia, Sumatra)

• Size: Adult males can grow up to 115mm (over 4.5 inches)!

• Lifespan:

  • Larvae: 1–2 years

  • Adults: 3–8 months (depending on care)

🌿 Ideal Living Conditions

To keep your Hexarthrius mandibularis happy and healthy, here’s what you need to prepare:

• Enclosure Type:
  A plastic or glass terrarium with good ventilation.
  Minimum size: 30x20x20 cm for adults; 1L containers for larvae.

• Substrate:

  • For larvae: Use decayed hardwood mulch or flaked soil rich in organic material.

  • For adults: Use peat moss, coco peat, or wood chip bedding around 5–10 cm deep.

• Temperature:

  • Ideal range: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)

  • Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. A stable room temperature is sufficient in most homes.

• Humidity:

  • Keep it around 60–70%.

  • Mist the enclosure lightly every 2–3 days, avoiding over-saturation.

• Lighting:
  No special lighting is required. Indirect natural light or room lighting is enough.

🤝 Tank Mates

• Best kept alone due to aggressive behavior, especially among males.

• You may house a male-female pair cautiously, but only for short periods (for mating).

• Never house two males together—they will fight, often leading to injury or death.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

• Adults:

  • Feed with beetle jelly (available from pet stores) or overripe fruits like banana, apple, and mango.

  • Replace food daily or when it starts fermenting.

• Larvae (Grubs):

  • Consume decomposed hardwood or fermented substrate.

  • Feed by keeping them in a container filled with nutritious substrate, which they eat as they grow.

🧼 Care Tips & Maintenance

• Clean the enclosure weekly for adults; remove uneaten food and waste.

• Keep substrate moist but not soggy.

• Handle adults gently and minimally to avoid stress or injury.

• Keep larval containers undisturbed and check substrate depth monthly.

• Adults love to climb—add a few bark pieces or branches to enrich their space.

🔁 Breeding Potential

• If you're interested in breeding, keep a healthy adult male and female together in a mating enclosure.

• Provide deep substrate for the female to lay eggs.

• Eggs hatch into larvae within 1–2 months