Prosopocoilus Lateralis
The Prosopocoilus Lateralis can be mainly found in the Philippines and Indonesia. Most of the beetles imported to Japan come from Sulawesi (Celebes), which is still considered a treasure trove for insects. The climate is divided into rainy and dry seasons, with temperatures staying above 22°C year-round and reaching up to 34°C during hotter periods. The population of the Lateral saw-toothed stag beetle on the island has been decreasing each year due to habitat destruction and overharvesting. Large males of this species can exceed 50mm, but the beetle is still relatively affordable and easy to obtain.
For pairing, hand-pairing is recommended as males can be somewhat aggressive. Males use their large mandibles to firmly grip and restrain the movement of females, so caution is necessary. The egg-laying setup should maintain high humidity but avoid excessive moisture buildup inside the case. A temperature of around 25°C is considered suitable. Use well-fermented substrate and as soft oviposition wood as possible. The females lay eggs in both wood and substrate. This species is highly prolific, making it easy to breed for successive generations, even for beginners.
Regarding larval rearing, mushroom-based cultures are unsuitable, so fermented substrate is recommended. Larvae grow quickly, and as long as proper feeding and temperature management are maintained, avoiding high heat and humidity, this species can be an excellent candidate for children’s observation. The Lateral saw-toothed stag beetle is notable for its beautiful coloring and active behavior, making it enjoyable to watch and observe from outside the case.
