Goliath beetle (Goliathus goliatus)

Short answers

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

Beetles: approx. 40×30×40 cm with climbing structure; larvae individually in 0.25–1 l containers (moved up by instar).

Goliath beetle: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Goliath beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed.

Goliath beetle: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: the beetle usually lives a few weeks to months; the larval stage lasts about a year.

Goliath beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–85 %

UVB

No UVB needed

Enclosure

Minimum size

beetles: approx. 40×30×40 cm with climbing structure; larvae individually in 0.25–1 l containers (moved up by instar)

Substrate

A humus or white-rot wood substrate as the base; the (largely carnivorous) larvae additionally need protein fed to them directly

Feeding

Food

Beetles: ripe fruit (banana, mango), beetle jelly, plant sap; LARVAE: protein-rich – cat or dog food pellets, fish flakes, Gammarus (almost daily care)

Feeding interval

beetles: fruit or jelly 2–3×/week; larvae: very intensive, offer protein almost daily and remove leftovers

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 5–11 cm (males considerably larger)

Life expectancy

the beetle usually lives a few weeks to months; the larval stage lasts about a year

Origin

West and Central Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, DR Congo, Nigeria)

Protection status

No CITES, no special protection; no registration duty

Brumation

None (tropical)

Cohabitation

Housing larvae singly is mandatory (carnivorous and cannibalistic towards each other); adult male beetles are likewise incompatible and are only put together briefly and under supervision to mate, never in permanent groups.

Notes

One of the most demanding breeding projects: the larvae need protein-rich feeding (not just substrate) and intensive care, otherwise the losses are high. A common mistake: keeping the larvae in substrate alone like normal flower beetle larvae (which kills them). For experienced keepers only.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Goliath beetle (Goliathus goliatus) 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
• 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 Goliath beetle (Goliathus goliatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (beetles: approx. 40×30×40 cm with climbing structure; larvae individually in 0.25–1 l containers (moved up by instar)), substrate (A humus or white-rot wood substrate as the base; the (largely carnivorous) larvae additionally need protein fed to them directly), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.