Dorcus Titanus Palawanicus
The Dorcus Titanus Palawanicus is the largest flat stag beetle in the world. The body length ranges from 50mm to 110mm for males and 40mm to 50mm for females. The species inhabits Palawan Island in the Philippines, where the average annual temperature is approximately 27°C, with the lowest annual temperature around 21°C. The Palawan Islands are known as the "last frontier of the Philippines" and are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. The mandibles of the Palawan flat stag beetle are straight and extend linearly. Among large flat stag beetles, it is the most popular and has a distinct subspecies name. Some males have mandibles that extend to 110mm in length. The body shape resembles an enlarged version of the Tsushima flat stag beetle. There are also individuals with shorter mandibles.
In the local Palawan region, it is relatively common for them to be attracted to lights. As for the breeding method, avoiding low temperatures is essential. Since the minimum annual temperature is about 21°C, it is safer to avoid winter's cold. A greenhouse may be necessary. However, individuals raised on this page have overwintered at temperatures around 5°C, although this appears to be quite risky.
For pairing, hand-pairing is recommended due to the aggressive nature of some males. The beetles used for pairing should be at least four months post-emergence. Regarding the egg-laying setup, the Palawan flat stag beetle lays eggs in both wood and substrate, though it seems to prefer laying in wood. Use thick, soft wood for the setup, and it is better to bury the wood in the substrate for optimal results. The ideal temperature for egg-laying is around 25°C. According to this website, egg-laying has occurred even during the peak summer heat.
The larvae of the Palawan flat stag beetle grow significantly in both mushroom-based cultures and fermented substrate. For the container, males grow quite large, so at least a 1500ml jar is necessary. The Palawan flat stag beetle still holds the potential for further growth, so it is recommended to experiment with various breeding methods.
