Invertebrate · Beetle
Hercules beetle care guide
Dynastes hercules
The hercules beetle is a advanced-level beetle from Central and South America, Lesser Antilles. Adults reach Body 5–17 cm (male with horn) and live Adults 6–12 months (2–3 years from egg) in captivity. Larvae need very deep soil with lots of rotten wood. Keep one larva per container.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 22–27°C
- Humidity 70–80%
How much does a hercules beetle cost in Canada?
Hercules beetle quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- Body 5–17 cm (male with horn)
- Lifespan
- Adults 6–12 months (2–3 years from egg)
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Central and South America, Lesser Antilles
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 22–27°C
- Humidity
- 70–80%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: flake soil and rotten wood
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Hercules beetle enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre13 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other. This species digs, so give it 25 cm (10 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 13 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 70–80%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a hercules beetle eat?
Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: flake soil and rotten wood. Feed adults beetle jelly or fruit every 2–3 days; refresh larval substrate every few months.
Handling, temperament & health
Adults are gentle but strong-gripped; males can pinch with horns.
Health watch: Larvae starve or deform in poor or shallow substrate.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a hercules beetle bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 13 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Dry Sphagnum Moss 100g Pack
Sphagnum (humid corner)
Cork Bark Flats
Hides, breeding sites and a food source
Hercules beetle FAQ
Is the hercules beetle good for beginners?
The hercules beetle is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Adults are gentle but strong-gripped; males can pinch with horns.
What size enclosure does a hercules beetle need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a hercules beetle cost in Canada?
Typically $80–250 CAD to buy, about $160–250 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $50–100 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a hercules beetle need?
Temperature: 22–27°C. Humidity: 70–80%.
What does a hercules beetle eat?
Adults: frugivore – fruit, beetle jelly. Larvae: flake soil and rotten wood. Feed adults beetle jelly or fruit every 2–3 days; refresh larval substrate every few months.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.