Western Rhinoceros Beetle (Xyloryctes thestalus)

IMPORTANT: Live beetles cannot be released into non-native habitats under any circumstances.  Please contact me to re-home any unwanted non-native beetles.

Western Rhinoceros beetles are an adorable, derpy beetle found in mountainous regions of the Southwest United States.  The males of this species is a dead ringer for Dim from A Bug's Life!  They love to rumble around their enclosures with their round bodies and stubby legs.  If they are annoyed they will often squeak.

The lifespan of these beetles are slightly longer than their Hercules counterparts with wild individuals occasionally living well into the Spring.  Although breeding can be a bit more challenging with these species they have been successfully bred when the beetles are allowed to overwinter and breed when Spring comes.

We personally collected these WILD CAUGHT Western Rhinoceros Beetles in the mountains of Arizona during the 2nd week of September.  

Adult Western Rhinoceros Beetles can eat fruits such as banana, melons, peaches, and even apples.  Buying organic produce is a better option to avoid pesticides that can be found in fruit.  Also stay away from citrus fruits (too acidic) and watermelon as it's water content is too high to use as a regular food source.  The best choice though is probably beetle jelly since it is designed to provide beetles with the proper nutrients and with additional protein (helpful for breeding).