Chalcosoma caucasus Larvae Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Caucasus Beetle Larvae
Scientific Name	Chalcosoma caucasus
Origin	Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia)
Larval Size	Up to 8–10 cm before pupation
Lifespan	Larval stage: 6–12 months; total lifespan 1–2 years
Activity	Burrowing, detritivorous

Behavior

• Burrower; spends most of its life inside substrate feeding on decaying organic matter.

• Solitary; aggressive toward other larvae if crowded.

• Requires dark, moist environment for optimal growth.

Enclosure Requirements

• Container Size: Minimum 5–10 liters per larva; larger if rearing multiple individuals

• Substrate: 15–20 cm of decayed hardwood substrate, leaf litter, or coconut fiber mix

• Humidity: 70–80% (substrate should be moist but not waterlogged)

• Temperature:

  • Optimal: 24–28°C

  • Avoid temperatures below 20°C or above 30°C

• Decor: None required; larvae remain buried

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow to prevent mold while maintaining moisture

Compatibility

• Best housed individually or with plenty of space; larvae may fight if overcrowded.

• Avoid housing with other beetle species or small invertebrates.

Diet

• Detritivore; feeds on decaying wood, leaf litter, and organic matter.

• Ensure substrate is rich in organic material for growth.

• Avoid adding fresh food that may rot too quickly.

Care Tips

• Maintain consistent moisture; check substrate weekly.

• Avoid direct sunlight; larvae are sensitive to temperature spikes.

• Clean any moldy spots promptly to prevent fungal infection.

• Ensure substrate depth allows full burrowing.

Breeding

• Larvae are obtained from eggs laid by adult males and females.

• Pupation occurs in a separate pupal chamber within the substrate.

• Adult emergence takes 2–3 months after pupation depending on conditions.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥5–10 L per larva, deep substrate

• 🌡️ Temp: 24–28°C

• 💧 Humidity: 70–80%

• 🍴 Diet: Detritivore (decayed wood, leaf litter)

• 🕒 Activity: Burrowing, nocturnal

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid overcrowding; maintain deep, moist substrate