Dynastinae

Practical guide for the breeding and care of rhinoceros beetles (Dynastinae)

1. Introduction

Dynastinae are known as rhinoceros beetles due to the spectacular horns of males.

• Among the largest beetles in the world, some species exceed 15 cm.

• Popular in terrarium keeping and breeding, especially:
  Dynastes hercules, Dynastes tityus, Chalcosoma atlas, Megasoma elephas, Xylotrupes gideon.

2. Life cycle

1. Egg

• Laid in organic-rich substrate.

• White, round.

• Incubation: 3–5 weeks.

2. Larva (C-shaped grub)

• Very large, 3 stages (L1 → L3).

• Feeds on decaying wood and leaf litter.

• Duration: 12–24 months.

3. Pupa

• L3 builds a hard pupal chamber.

• Duration: 2–3 months.

4. Adult

• Males with large horns; females smaller, hornless.

• Adult lifespan: 4–8 months.

• Diet: ripe fruits, tree sap, beetle jelly.

3. Environmental conditions

• ?️ Temperature: 22–28 °C.

• ? Humidity: 60–80% (larvae), 50–70% (adults).

• ☀️ Light: natural day/night cycle.

• ?️ Ventilation: essential to prevent mold.

4. Recommended enclosure

For larvae

• Large and deep container (10–15 L per larva minimum).

• Substrate: coco fiber + leaf litter + rotten wood.

• Keep larvae separated.

For adults

• Terrarium: at least 40 × 30 × 30 cm.

• Substrate 5–10 cm.

• Branches and bark for climbing.

• Dish for fruit or jelly.

5. Feeding

• Larvae: decomposed wood + leaves.

• Adults: ripe fruits (banana, apple, pear, watermelon), sap, beetle jelly.
  ⚠️ Remove spoiled fruit daily.

6. Reproduction

• Males fight using their horns.

• Females lay eggs in deep, fiber-rich substrate.

• Eggs remain in substrate until hatching.

7. Cleaning and maintenance

• Check larval substrate every 2–3 months.

• Adults: remove fruit daily.

• Change terrarium substrate every 3–4 weeks.

8. Key tips

✅ Keep larvae separated.
✅ Provide decaying wood and leaf litter.
✅ Maintain stable humidity.
✅ Never disturb pupae.
✅ Adults need space and ventilation.

9. Quick checklist

• Temperature: 22–28 °C.

• Humidity: 60–80% (larvae), 50–70% (adults).

• Larvae: rotten wood + leaves.

• Adults: ripe fruits, jelly.

• Cycle: egg (1 m) → larva (1–2 y) → pupa (2–3 m) → adult (4–8 m).

• Care: substrate every 2–3 months, fruit daily.