Elephant beetle (Megasoma elephas)

Short answers

Elephant beetle: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Beetles: approx. 40×30×30 cm; larvae individually in 20–60 l containers (each larva needs a lot of space).

Elephant beetle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Elephant beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Elephant beetle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: beetle approx. 2–4 months; the whole development including the larva takes 2–4 years.

Elephant beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–26 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–80 % (substrate permanently slightly damp)

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

beetles: approx. 40×30×30 cm; larvae individually in 20–60 l containers (each larva needs a lot of space)

Substrate

Larvae: giant-beetle or flake-soil substrate with a high proportion of white-rotted deciduous wood, 30 cm or more deep; beetles: coco humus with leaf litter

Feeding

Food

Beetles: beetle jelly, overripe fruit (banana); larvae: a protein-rich white-rot wood or humus substrate (flake soil)

Feeding interval

beetles: top up jelly or fruit 2–3×/week; the larvae feed continuously from the substrate (change the substrate regularly)

Key facts

Adult size

males approx. 7–12 cm (up to ~13.5 cm, with the horn), females approx. 5–7 cm

Life expectancy

beetle approx. 2–4 months; the whole development including the larva takes 2–4 years

Origin

Central America / northern South America (Mexico to Venezuela)

Protection status

No CITES, no special protection in Germany; no registration duty

Brumation

None (tropical); the larvae develop at a constant warm temperature

Cohabitation

The beetles suit pairs or small groups for breeding (the males are relatively peaceful but can compete over food and females). Keep the larvae SINGLY (they need space, and there is a risk of injury and cannibalism in cramped conditions)

Notes

A very long larval stage, with a high substrate and space requirement per larva. No heat mat underneath (it dries the substrate out). Common mistakes: too little or too dry substrate, and too warm. Nocturnal.

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Related species

• Actaeon beetle (Megasoma actaeon) – 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Elephant beetle (Megasoma elephas) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (beetles: approx. 40×30×30 cm; larvae individually in 20–60 l containers (each larva needs a lot of space)), substrate (Larvae: giant-beetle or flake-soil substrate with a high proportion of white-rotted deciduous wood, 30 cm or more deep; beetles: coco humus with leaf litter), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.