Giraffe Stag Beetle

 Egg > Grub (Larva) > Pupa > Adult Beetle 

 Giraffe Stag Beetles have a relatively short but fascinating life cycle. Adults typically live for about 4–8 months, following a pupation period of roughly one month. Their larval stage is the longest phase, lasting 8–12 months for males and about 5–8 months for females before they transition into pupae and eventually emerge as fully formed beetles. 

 Giraffe Stag Beetle larvae thrive on nutrient‑rich substrates such as flake soil.  They do best when kept at a stable temperature of 66–78°F with around 60% humidity. The larval stage lasts approximately 8–12 months, and proper container sizing is important as they grow: L1 larvae do well in 4 oz deli cups, L2 in 16 oz containers, L3 females in 32 oz containers, and L3 males in larger 64 oz containers to accommodate their size and development. 

Build their enclosure with a firmly packed base layer of about 5 inches of substrate, then fill the rest with loosely packed flake soil to allow natural movement. Adding bark pieces or sturdy sticks near the top gives them something to grip so they can flip themselves over if they ever end up upside down. Be sure to offer food consistently, such as soft fruits (non-citrus) or nutritious beetle jelly, to keep your beetle healthy and energized. 

 Giraffe Stag Beetles come from forested regions across Asia, where they spend much of their lives tucked inside rotting logs and tree stumps. These decaying wood habitats provide the moisture, shelter, and stability they rely on. Replicating those conditions in captivity—especially maintaining the right temperature and humidity—plays a key role in keeping them healthy and ensuring they thrive throughout every stage of their life cycle. 

 Temperature: 68-78°F

Humidity: 60-80%

 Grubs (larvae) feast exclusively on their substrate—flake soil! No extra snacks are needed, as the substrate provides all the nourishment they require. 

Just remember since they munch their way through it, be sure to refresh the flake soil every 1–2 months to keep their underground banquet fresh and plentiful.

Adult Beetle

 Giraffe Stag Beetles naturally feed on tree sap and decomposing plant material, but in captivity they do well on a variety of sweet, easy‑to‑digest foods. You can offer honey or sugar water, along with soft fruits like banana or apple slices. They also readily enjoy beetle jelly, which provides a convenient and nutritious staple option. Keeping a steady supply of these foods available helps ensure your beetle stays healthy and well‑nourished. 

 Male Giraffe Stag Beetle larvae can reach impressive sizes—often 50 grams or more—so they require larger containers once they reach the L3 stage to accommodate their growth. Females, on the other hand, typically develop and pupate more quickly than males. To help synchronize their emergence, it’s recommended to keep female larvae slightly cooler and male larvae a bit warmer, allowing both to progress at a more aligned pace. 

 Additionally, adult Giraffe Stag Beetles should be housed individually, as is typical for stag beetle species. Solitary housing helps prevent stress and reduces the risk of injury from accidental encounters, ensuring each beetle remains safe and comfortable in its enclosure.