Emperor Stag Beetle (Odontolabis burmeisteri)

Emperor Stag Beetle (Odontolabis burmeisteri) – A true showstopper among stag beetles. Large males can develop incredibly long, curved mandibles paired with warm golden-brown to chestnut elytra and a glossy black head and thorax. With the right care, raising a massive long-jaw male is seriously rewarding.

- Native Habitat: Southern India, particularly the mountainous forests of the Nilgiri region

- Distinctive Features: Large males are famous for their impressive long-jaw form, featuring elongated, curved mandibles with prominent inner teeth. Their golden-brown to chestnut-colored wing covers contrast beautifully against the glossy black head and thorax. Like many Odontolabis, males can develop noticeably different mandible forms depending on their size and development.

- Size: Male: approx. 45–105+ mm / Female: approx. 40–55 mm

- Adult Lifespan Once Active: Approximately 12–18 months

- Larvae to Beetle: Approximately 10–14 months; large males may require longer development depending on temperature, genetics, nutrition, and rearing conditions.

- Behavior: Strong and territorial. Males can be aggressive toward other males and may use their powerful mandibles during fights. Handle large males with care.

- Substrate and Air Temperature: Approximately 68–77°F (20–25°C), with around 73–75°F (23–24°C) being a good target. Avoid prolonged high temperatures. / Humidity: Approximately 60–80%

- Beetle Food: Beetle Jelly

- Difficulty: Intermediate

- Housing Tips: House adult males individually. Due to their size and powerful mandibles, avoid keeping multiple males together. During breeding, monitor the pair closely and separate them if the male becomes overly aggressive.

Please do not release them if they are not indigenous to your area.

Refund Policy – Dead on Arrival (Next Day Air Only):

- Please contact us within 1 hour of the first delivery attempt and provide the following two forms of evidence:

1. Photos of the deceased animal

2. A video of the deceased animal with the shipping box visible next to it

- We will wait 3 days before requesting another video of the beetle. Stag beetles can sometimes appear completely inactive after shipping and may simply need time to recover.

- Shipping fees are non-refundable under all circumstances, as these fees are paid directly to the shipping carrier.

- Active beetles can be aggressive and hyperactive during transit, which means there is a possibility of self-inflicted injury. We do our best to pack every beetle safely; however, injuries sustained during shipping are not eligible for refunds.