Actaeon beetle (Megasoma actaeon)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Actaeon beetle (Megasoma actaeon) (origin: The Amazon basin). Adult size around 5–13.5 cm body length (males up to 13.5 cm and about 4 cm thick, females noticeably smaller and hornless); L3 larvae usually 70–150 g, record 228 g. Life expectancy Larva 2–4 years, beetle around 100–150 days (3–5 months). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Actaeon beetle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×40×40 cm.
Actaeon beetle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.
Actaeon beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Actaeon beetle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: Larva 2–4 years, beetle around 100–150 days (3–5 months).
Actaeon beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 60–75 %, substrate evenly moist, but never wet or dripping
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×40×40 cm
- Substrate
- Larvae: white-rot mould 30–40 cm; adults: mould plus sturdy branches
Feeding
- Food
- Larvae: white-rot mould or flake soil; beetles: beetle jelly, bananas
- Feeding interval
- beetles every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 5–13.5 cm body length (males up to 13.5 cm and about 4 cm thick, females noticeably smaller and hornless); L3 larvae usually 70–150 g, record 228 g
- Life expectancy
- Larva 2–4 years, beetle around 100–150 days (3–5 months)
- Origin
- The Amazon basin
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Never keep males together. Females and juveniles can be kept together given enough space and hiding places; two males, however, fight with their horns and can seriously injure each other.
Notes
One of the heaviest beetles in the world. Larval development takes up to three years and needs very large mulm containers – a long-term project for experienced beetle breeders.
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Related species
- Elephant beetle (Megasoma elephas) – Intermediate
- Atlas beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) – Intermediate
- European rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis) – Intermediate
- Goliath beetle (Goliathus goliatus) – Expert
- Grall's flower beetle (Eudicella gralli) – Beginner
- Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) – Intermediate
- European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) – Expert
- Japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Actaeon beetle (Megasoma actaeon) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×40×40 cm), substrate (Larvae: white-rot mould 30–40 cm; adults: mould plus sturdy branches), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: EUR-Lex VO (EU) 2026/1383, Wikipedia EN, actias.de, davidsbeetles.com, letitbeetle.ch
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).