Giant stag beetle (Dorcus titanus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Giant stag beetle (Dorcus titanus) (origin: East Asia). Adult size around 5–11 cm (males including the mandibles). Life expectancy larva 12–18 months, beetle 1–2 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Giant stag beetle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×20×25 cm.
Giant stag beetle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C (cooler than flower beetles), basking spot No basking spot, at night 16–20 °C.
Giant stag beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Giant stag beetle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: larva 12–18 months, beetle 1–2 years.
Giant stag beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C (cooler than flower beetles)
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×20×25 cm
- Substrate
- Larvae: hardwood white-rot mould or kinshi bottles; beetles: mould plus bark
Feeding
- Food
- Larvae: white-rot mould; beetles: beetle jelly, fruit
- Feeding interval
- beetles every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 5–11 cm (males including the mandibles)
- Life expectancy
- larva 12–18 months, beetle 1–2 years
- Origin
- East Asia
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler spell in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is simplest, especially for males: they fight with their mandibles over females and territory. For breeding a pair is introduced, after which larvae are raised individually in their own containers, since otherwise they disturb each other while pupating or eat each other.
Notes
A powerful stag beetle with huge mandibles. To be kept markedly cooler than flower beetles; larval development takes over a year. The adults are comparatively long-lived.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Giant stag beetle (Dorcus titanus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- 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
- Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) – Intermediate
- European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Giant stag beetle (Dorcus titanus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×20×25 cm), substrate (Larvae: hardwood white-rot mould or kinshi bottles; beetles: 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorcus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorcus_titanus
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).