Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus)

Short answers

Eastern Hercules beetle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×30×30 cm.

Eastern Hercules beetle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C (COOLER), basking spot No basking spot, at night 16–20 °C.

Eastern Hercules beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Eastern Hercules beetle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: larva 10–16 months, beetle 3–6 months.

Eastern Hercules beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C (COOLER)

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

65–80 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×30×30 cm

Substrate

Larvae: white-rot mould 25–30 cm; adults: mould plus bark

Feeding

Food

Larvae: white-rot mould; beetles: fruit, beetle jelly

Feeding interval

beetles every 2–3 days

Key facts

Adult size

4–6 cm

Life expectancy

larva 10–16 months, beetle 3–6 months

Origin

The eastern USA

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler spell in winter

Cohabitation

Keeping males singly is least stressful. Two males fight with their horns over feeding spots and females until one is displaced or injured. Females and juveniles, however, get on fine together in a group given enough space and hides.

Notes

The North American relative of the Hercules beetle, markedly smaller and to be kept cooler. The elytra change from yellow-spotted to dark depending on the humidity.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) – Intermediate
• Actaeon beetle (Megasoma actaeon) – Intermediate
• Atlas beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) – Intermediate
• Elephant beetle (Megasoma elephas) – Intermediate
• European rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis) – Intermediate
• Goliath beetle (Goliathus goliatus) – Expert
• Grall's flower beetle (Eudicella gralli) – Beginner
• European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm), substrate (Larvae: white-rot mould 25–30 cm; adults: mould plus bark), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.