Siamese rhinoceros beetle (Xylotrupes gideon)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Siamese rhinoceros beetle (Xylotrupes gideon) (origin: South and South-East Asia). Adult size around 3–7 cm. Life expectancy larva 6–10 months, beetle 3–6 months. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Siamese rhinoceros beetle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×30×30 cm.
Siamese rhinoceros beetle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Siamese rhinoceros beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Siamese rhinoceros beetle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: larva 6–10 months, beetle 3–6 months.
Siamese rhinoceros beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 65–80 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×30×30 cm
- Substrate
- Larvae: leaf mould 20–25 cm; adults: mould plus branches
Feeding
- Food
- Larvae: leaf mould or flake soil; beetles: bananas, beetle jelly
- Feeding interval
- beetles every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 3–7 cm
- Life expectancy
- larva 6–10 months, beetle 3–6 months
- Origin
- South and South-East Asia
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- A group of females and young larvae (L1/L2) is possible; never house males together. The reason: adult males are territorial and fight with their forked horns until one is injured. Older (L3) larvae should sit singly in small containers so they do not disturb each other while pupating.
Notes
A compact rhinoceros beetle with a forked horn, a fast cycle and good availability – a good way into the Dynastinae. It hisses audibly when disturbed.
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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 Siamese rhinoceros beetle (Xylotrupes gideon) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm), substrate (Larvae: leaf mould 20–25 cm; adults: mould plus 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylotrupes_gideon, https://www.geckonia.eu/en/p/xylotrupes-gideon-sumatrensis
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).