Torquata flower beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Torquata flower beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata) (origin: West and Central Africa). Adult size around 5–8.5 cm (males with head horn 5.5–8.5 cm, females 5–6 cm). Life expectancy larva 6–12 months, beetle 3–6 months (whole generation approx. 11–15 months). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Torquata flower beetle: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×30×30 cm.
Torquata flower beetle: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Torquata flower beetle: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Torquata flower beetle: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: larva 6–12 months, beetle 3–6 months (whole generation approx. 11–15 months).
Torquata flower beetle: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–26 °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 or white-rot mould 20–30 cm; adults: mould plus climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- Larvae: mould or flake soil; beetles: bananas, beetle jelly
- Feeding interval
- beetles every 2–3 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 5–8.5 cm (males with head horn 5.5–8.5 cm, females 5–6 cm)
- Life expectancy
- larva 6–12 months, beetle 3–6 months (whole generation approx. 11–15 months)
- Origin
- West and Central Africa
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Beetles in a group are possible, but at most one male per enclosure, or at least two females per male, plus several feeding stations — males fight with their head horn. Raise larvae separately; only larvae of equal size with plenty of substrate get along, otherwise the larger one eats the smaller one.
Notes
A large, magnificent flower beetle with a head horn in the male. Rearing the larvae in mulm is the real part of keeping it – set the larvae apart, or they eat each other.
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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 Torquata flower beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm), substrate (Larvae: leaf or white-rot mould 20–30 cm; adults: mould plus climbing 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: 23 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, beetlesaspets.blogspot.com, home-of-insects.com, scuttleandsqueak.com, terraristik.com
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).