Giant African Flower Beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata) Care Sheet
The Giant African Flower Beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata) is a spectacular African flower chafer prized for its impressive size, striking colouration and fascinating life cycle.
Adults are robust, active beetles with highly variable markings. Depending upon subspecies and individual variation, they may display combinations of green, cream, yellow, orange, reddish-brown and black.
Males are particularly distinctive because they possess a prominent forked horn on the head, while females lack the exaggerated male horn and have a more compact appearance.
Although the adults are the most visually impressive stage, successful long-term husbandry depends heavily upon understanding the beetle’s larval development. The large C-shaped grubs spend much of their lives underground feeding within rich decomposing organic material before constructing pupal chambers and eventually emerging as adults.
The species is therefore especially rewarding for keepers interested in observing the complete beetle life cycle.
Successful husbandry requires warm conditions, adequate ventilation, deep organic substrate, suitable fruit or beetle jelly for adults, nutritious decomposed substrate for larvae and minimal disturbance during pupation.
Quick Facts
Scientific name: Mecynorrhina torquata
Common names: Giant African Flower Beetle, Giant African Flower Chafer
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Cetoniinae
Origin: Tropical Africa
Adult size: Approximately 5–8.5 cm depending upon sex and subspecies
Diet: Adults primarily feed on ripe fruit and plant sugars; larvae consume decomposing organic matter
Lifestyle: Adults terrestrial and climbing; larvae subterranean
Activity: Primarily diurnal as adults
Temperature: Approximately 22–28°C
Humidity: Moderate
Handling: Occasional gentle handling
Flight: Adults are capable of flight
Experience level: Beginner to intermediate
Major requirements: Deep nutritious substrate, warmth, fruit/beetle jelly and correct pupation conditions
Taxonomy and Identification
Mecynorrhina torquata belongs to the flower chafer group of scarab beetles.
Several subspecies and geographical forms occur, and captive stock may differ considerably in:
- Size
- Colour
- Pattern
- Horn development
Where maintaining breeding records, keep the exact identification supplied by a reliable breeder.
Natural Distribution
Mecynorrhina torquata occurs in parts of:
tropical Africa.
Different subspecies and populations have differing geographical ranges.
The beetles are associated primarily with warm forest environments where adults can obtain:
- Tree sap
- Ripe or fermenting fruit
- Other sugar-rich plant material
Larvae develop within decomposing organic material.
Appearance
Adults are broad, heavily built beetles.
Their appearance may include combinations of:
- Green
- Olive
- Cream
- Yellow
- Orange
- Brown
- Black
Pattern and colour vary substantially.
Adult Size
Large adults may reach approximately:
5–8.5 cm.
Males are often larger than females.
Adult size is influenced by:
- Genetics
- Sex
- Larval nutrition
- Temperature
- Developmental conditions
Poor larval nutrition can produce noticeably smaller adults.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males and females are relatively straightforward to distinguish as adults.
Males
Adult males possess:
- A prominent head horn
- Forked or divided horn structure
- Generally larger body size
- More exaggerated head development
Females
Females:
- Lack the large male horn
- Have a more rounded head
- Often appear broader through the abdomen
Male Horn
The male’s horn is used during competition with other males.
Males may attempt to:
- Push
- Lift
- Dislodge
- Flip
rivals away from feeding areas or females.
The horn is not venomous and is not a stinger.
Adult Behaviour
Adults are generally active during daylight.
They may spend considerable time:
- Climbing
- Feeding
- Exploring
- Resting beneath bark
- Interacting with other beetles
Warm conditions often increase activity.
Flight
Adult Mecynorrhina torquata can fly.
They may take flight suddenly when:
- Warm
- Disturbed
- Exploring outside the enclosure
Always handle them indoors in a secure room.
Housing Adults
Adult beetles can be housed in:
- Plastic terrariums
- Glass terrariums
- Large ventilated tubs
- Purpose-built invertebrate enclosures
The enclosure must provide:
- Floor space
- Climbing opportunities
- Deep substrate
- Good ventilation
- Secure lid
Adult Enclosure Size
For a small group, an enclosure approximately:
30 × 30 × 30 cm or larger
provides a useful starting point.
Larger groups should receive correspondingly more space.
Group Housing
Adults can generally be maintained in groups.
However, mature males may compete.
Provide:
- Adequate space
- Multiple feeding locations
- Several climbing surfaces
- Areas where beetles can avoid one another
Male Competition
Two males may use their horns to wrestle.
This behaviour is natural.
Problems become more likely when:
- Space is limited
- Females are scarce
- Feeding areas are restricted
- Too many males are crowded together
Male-to-Female Ratio
For breeding groups, maintaining:
more females than males
can reduce competition and repeated disturbance of females.
A group containing one male with several females is often easier to manage than several males competing in a small enclosure.
Adult Substrate
Adults benefit from a deep layer of organic substrate.
Suitable materials include mixtures containing:
- Decayed hardwood
- Leaf mould
- Well-decomposed leaves
- Organic soil
- Suitable beetle substrate
Avoid chemically treated material.
Substrate Depth
Provide approximately:
10–20 cm
of substrate where breeding is intended.
Females require sufficient depth to bury themselves and deposit eggs.
Deeper substrate also provides a more stable moisture gradient.
Leaf Litter
Well-decayed leaf litter can be incorporated into the substrate.
Suitable leaves commonly include decomposed:
- Oak
- Beech
- Other safe deciduous hardwood leaves
Avoid leaves exposed to pesticides or roadside pollution.
Decayed Wood
White-rotted hardwood is particularly useful in flower beetle substrates.
Suitable wood should be:
- Well decomposed
- Soft
- Crumbly
- Free from chemical treatments
Wood to Avoid
Do not use:
- Pressure-treated timber
- Painted wood
- Varnished wood
- Chemically preserved wood
- Unknown manufactured wood products
Fresh resinous softwood should also generally be avoided.
Substrate Moisture
The substrate should remain:
slightly moist but not waterlogged.
A useful practical test is to squeeze a handful.
It should hold together slightly without releasing substantial free water.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is important.
The enclosure should not become:
- Stagnant
- Permanently saturated
- Heavily condensed
- Foul smelling
Balance moisture retention with airflow.
Temperature
A useful temperature range is approximately:
22–28°C.
Around:
24–26°C
works well for many captive colonies.
Excessive Heat
Avoid prolonged temperatures above approximately:
30°C.
Small enclosures can overheat rapidly.
Night Temperature
A modest nighttime reduction is acceptable.
Avoid prolonged exposure to very cold conditions.
Heating
If additional heat is required, use:
- Room heating
- Gentle external heating
- Thermostatically controlled equipment
Never place the enclosure directly on an uncontrolled high-temperature heat source.
Thermostat
Dedicated heating equipment should ideally be controlled by:
a reliable thermostat.
Direct Sunlight
Never place the enclosure in direct sunlight.
Transparent enclosures can reach dangerous temperatures rapidly.
Humidity
Moderate humidity is appropriate.
Approximately:
60–80% relative humidity
can provide a useful general guide, but substrate condition is more informative than chasing a precise humidity reading.
Moisture Gradient
The substrate should ideally contain:
- Slightly moister lower layers
- Somewhat drier surface areas
This allows beetles and larvae to choose suitable microconditions.
Misting
Light misting can be used when necessary.
Avoid repeatedly saturating the substrate.
Lighting
A normal day/night cycle is sufficient.
Adults are primarily active during daylight.
Specialised UVB lighting is not generally required.
Climbing Furnishings
Provide:
- Cork bark
- Branches
- Pieces of hardwood
- Artificial plants
- Safe natural vegetation
These give adults climbing and resting opportunities.
Fall Prevention
Adults are heavy-bodied.
Arrange furnishings so that falls do not result in the beetle landing onto:
- Sharp stones
- Hard decorations
- Pointed branches
Soft substrate helps reduce injury risk.
Adult Diet
Adult Giant African Flower Beetles primarily consume:
sugar-rich foods.
Suitable captive foods include:
- Beetle jelly
- Banana
- Mango
- Pear
- Apple
- Melon
- Other suitable ripe fruits
Beetle Jelly
Commercial beetle jelly is particularly convenient.
Advantages include:
- Easy portion control
- Reduced mess
- Long shelf life before opening
- Consistent availability
Replace jelly when contaminated or spoiled.
Banana
Ripe banana is readily accepted.
It is nutritious but can:
- Ferment quickly
- Attract flies
- Become mouldy
Remove old portions promptly.
Other Fruit
Suitable fruit may include:
- Mango
- Pear
- Apple
- Peach
- Melon
- Grapes
Offer variety.
Citrus
Highly acidic citrus fruit is generally unnecessary.
A varied selection of softer non-citrus fruits and beetle jelly provides a more straightforward diet.
Fruit Preparation
Wash fruit before feeding.
This helps reduce possible surface contamination from:
- Pesticides
- Wax
- Dirt
- Other chemicals
Food Dishes
Place fruit or jelly in shallow dishes.
This helps prevent:
- Substrate contamination
- Rapid mould growth
- Food becoming buried
Feeding Frequency
Adults should have regular access to suitable food.
Check food:
daily or every couple of days
depending upon temperature and food type.
Fresh fruit spoils quickly in warm conditions.
Remove Spoiled Food
Remove food when it becomes:
- Mouldy
- Heavily fermented
- Contaminated with substrate
- Covered in mites
Hydration
Adults obtain much of their water through food.
Juicy fruit and beetle jelly generally provide substantial hydration.
Water Dishes
Deep open water dishes are unnecessary and can create drowning hazards.
Hydration is usually better provided through:
- Moist food
- Appropriate substrate humidity
Handling
Adults can tolerate occasional gentle handling.
Allow the beetle to:
walk onto your hand.
Avoid pulling it from surfaces.
Strong Feet
Flower beetles have powerful legs and hooked claws.
They can grip:
- Bark
- Clothing
- Skin
very firmly.
Pulling a beetle away forcefully can injure its legs.
Claws on Skin
Their claws may feel:
sharp or scratchy
but the beetle is not attempting to sting.
Biting
These beetles are not normally aggressive toward humans.
The mouthparts are adapted primarily for feeding on soft plant material.
Male Horn During Handling
A male’s horn may feel impressive, but it is not a venomous defensive weapon.
Handle the beetle gently and support its body.
Hand Hygiene
Wash hands after:
- Handling beetles
- Handling substrate
- Cleaning the enclosure
LIFE CYCLE
The complete life cycle consists of:
Egg → Larva → Pupa → Adult
Understanding each stage is essential for successful breeding.
Eggs
Females bury themselves within suitable substrate and deposit eggs.
Eggs are:
- Pale
- Rounded
- Fragile
Avoid repeatedly searching through breeding substrate for them.
Egg Development
Egg development is influenced by:
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Genetics
Stable warm conditions are preferable.
Larvae
The larvae are large:
C-shaped scarab grubs.
They live underground and consume decomposing organic matter.
Larval Instars
Larvae progress through three major stages:
L1 → L2 → L3
with L3 being the final and largest larval stage.
L1 Larvae
L1 larvae are small and delicate.
They should be maintained in:
- Fine decomposed substrate
- Stable moisture
- Warm conditions
Avoid unnecessary handling.
L2 Larvae
During L2, larvae become substantially larger and consume greater quantities of substrate.
Monitor food quality and space.
L3 Larvae
L3 is the major growth stage.
Large larvae can become remarkably heavy.
The quality and quantity of food available during this stage strongly influence eventual adult size.
Larval Housing
Larvae may be raised:
- Individually
- In compatible groups
Individual housing provides greater control over:
- Feeding
- Growth monitoring
- Pupation
- Cannibalism risk
Larval Containers
Containers should provide:
- Adequate substrate volume
- Secure lids
- Ventilation
- Moisture retention
Very small containers can restrict development.
Larval Substrate
The substrate is both:
the larva’s home and its food.
Suitable material should contain substantial quantities of:
- Decomposed hardwood
- Decayed leaf litter
- Humus-rich organic material
Substrate Quality
Poor-quality substrate can result in:
- Slow growth
- Small adults
- Developmental problems
- Increased mortality
Larval nutrition is one of the most important aspects of flower beetle husbandry.
Flake Soil
Specialised fermented beetle substrate, often called:
flake soil
may be used successfully.
It is widely used by beetle breeders for larval development.
Protein Supplementation
Some experienced breeders provide limited additional protein to large larvae.
However, excessive supplementation can cause:
- Mites
- Mould
- Fouling
- Other husbandry problems
A high-quality decomposed substrate should remain the foundation of the diet.
Larval Cannibalism
Large scarab larvae may occasionally injure one another, particularly when:
- Overcrowded
- Food is limited
- Size differences are substantial
Individual rearing eliminates much of this risk.
Checking Larvae
Avoid constantly digging larvae out.
Frequent disturbance can:
- Stress larvae
- Damage them
- Disrupt feeding
- Destroy early pupal preparations
Periodic checks are sufficient.
Replacing Larval Substrate
As larvae consume the nutritious components, the substrate becomes increasingly converted into frass.
Replace part of the substrate when it becomes heavily exhausted.
Partial Changes
Rather than replacing everything at once, retain some established substrate and mix it with fresh suitable material.
This reduces sudden environmental changes.
Larval Frass
Larval droppings may appear as numerous:
compact pellets.
Large quantities indicate that much of the food value has been consumed.
Larval Moisture
Maintain the substrate slightly moist.
It should not be:
- Bone dry
- Saturated
- Muddy
Larval Temperature
Approximately:
22–26°C
works well for many larvae.
Higher temperatures may accelerate development but can also increase stress and reduce developmental time.
Adult Size and Temperature
Rapid development is not necessarily desirable when attempting to produce exceptionally large adults.
Genetics, food quantity, food quality and developmental temperature all influence final size.
PUPATION
Pupation is one of the most sensitive stages of the life cycle.
Pre-Pupal Stage
A mature L3 larva eventually stops feeding and prepares to pupate.
Possible signs include:
- Reduced feeding
- Yellowing of the body
- Reduced movement
- Construction activity
Pupal Chamber
The larva constructs a protective:
pupal chamber
using substrate and bodily secretions.
Inside this chamber it transforms into a pupa.
Do Not Disturb
Once a larva has begun constructing a pupal chamber:
do not repeatedly dig it up.
Breaking the chamber can lead to:
- Deformed adults
- Failed pupation
- Death
Pupal Chamber Position
Chambers may be constructed:
- Deep within the substrate
- Against the side of a container
- Near the bottom
If visible through the container wall, observation can occur without disturbance.
Artificial Pupal Chambers
Experienced beetle keepers sometimes transfer exposed pupae into artificial chambers when a natural chamber is accidentally damaged.
This should only be attempted when necessary.
An intact natural chamber is preferable.
Pupa
Inside the chamber, the larva becomes a pupa.
At this stage, the developing adult features become visible.
The pupa should not be handled unnecessarily.
Adult Emergence
After metamorphosis, the adult beetle forms inside the chamber.
However, it may remain underground for some time after becoming fully formed.
Teneral Adult
A newly transformed adult is called:
teneral.
Its exoskeleton initially remains soft and requires time to harden.
Do Not Dig Up New Adults
Allow newly formed adults to remain inside their chambers.
Premature removal can:
- Damage the exoskeleton
- Damage the wings
- Interrupt normal hardening
Wait for natural emergence whenever possible.
Adult Dormancy After Pupation
New adults may remain within their chambers for:
several weeks
before emerging.
This is normal.
First Feeding
Once an adult emerges naturally and begins exploring, offer:
- Beetle jelly
- Ripe fruit
The beetle may not feed immediately.
BREEDING
Breeding Mecynorrhina torquata is achievable when healthy adults and appropriate substrate are provided.
Breeding Group
A practical breeding arrangement is:
one male with multiple females.
This reduces male competition while providing mating opportunities.
Mature Adults
Allow newly emerged adults time to:
- Harden
- Begin feeding
- Become active
before expecting successful reproduction.
Courtship
A male may:
- Follow a female
- Touch her with the antennae
- Climb onto her
- Attempt mating
Mating
Mating may last for an extended period.
Avoid disturbing paired beetles unnecessarily.
Female Egg Laying
After mating, females burrow into deep substrate to deposit eggs.
Breeding substrate must therefore be:
- Deep
- Nutritious
- Moist enough to hold structure
- Not waterlogged
Finding Eggs
Constantly searching for eggs is unnecessary.
Many keepers allow females to lay for a period before carefully checking the substrate.
Eggs are fragile and should be handled minimally.
Separating Larvae
Once larvae are established, they can be:
- Left in sufficiently spacious breeding substrate
- Transferred to dedicated larval containers
Separate rearing allows more precise management.
Generational Records
Serious breeders should record:
- Parent identification
- Subspecies or locality information
- Hatch dates
- Larval stages
- Pupation dates
- Adult emergence dates
This is particularly useful when maintaining specific captive bloodlines.
Avoiding Inbreeding
Long-term colonies benefit from responsible genetic management.
Where possible, breeders may introduce unrelated animals of the:
same correctly identified subspecies or lineage.
Do not mix unrelated taxa simply to increase genetic diversity.
Hybridisation
Different Mecynorrhina forms and subspecies should not be casually mixed.
Maintain:
- Accurate labels
- Separate breeding groups
- Reliable provenance
This helps preserve identifiable captive lines.
Development Time
Development varies considerably.
The larval period may last:
many months to over a year
depending upon:
- Sex
- Temperature
- Genetics
- Food quality
- Subspecies
Large males often require substantial development time.
Adult Lifespan
Adults commonly live for:
several months
under suitable conditions.
Exact longevity varies considerably between individuals.
Complete Life Cycle
From egg to adult, the full life cycle may take:
around a year or considerably longer
depending upon environmental conditions and lineage.
Beetle breeding therefore rewards patience.
Cleaning Adult Enclosures
Routine maintenance should include:
- Removing spoiled fruit
- Replacing contaminated food dishes
- Removing excessive waste
- Checking substrate condition
- Removing mould
Avoid Excessive Substrate Changes
In breeding enclosures, avoid replacing all substrate casually.
It may contain:
- Eggs
- Tiny larvae
- Developing juveniles
Inspect carefully before discarding substrate.
Fruit Flies
Fruit foods may attract small flies.
Reduce problems by:
- Removing old fruit promptly
- Using beetle jelly
- Maintaining good ventilation
- Keeping the enclosure clean
Mites
Small numbers of harmless decomposer mites may occur.
Large mite populations often indicate:
- Excess food
- Excess moisture
- Poor hygiene
Correct environmental conditions rather than using pesticides.
Mould
Small amounts of fungal activity can occur naturally in organic substrate.
Persistent heavy mould usually indicates:
- Excess moisture
- Poor ventilation
- Too much uneaten food
Household Chemicals
Keep beetles away from:
- Insecticides
- Fly sprays
- Flea treatments
- Ant killers
- Garden pesticides
These products can be fatal.
Aerosols
Avoid using near the enclosure:
- Air fresheners
- Cleaning sprays
- Perfume
- Deodorising aerosols
Pesticide Exposure
Fruit and natural enclosure materials should come from safe sources.
Wash produce before feeding.
Do not collect wood or leaves from locations that may have been treated with pesticides.
Quarantine
New adult beetles should ideally be observed separately before introduction to an established breeding group.
Check for:
- Injury
- Poor coordination
- Excessive mites
- General condition
Health
Common husbandry-related problems include:
- Excessive heat
- Dehydration
- Waterlogged substrate
- Poor ventilation
- Poor larval nutrition
- Pupation disturbance
- Pesticide exposure
Warning Signs in Adults
Potential problems include:
- Persistent inability to stand
- Severe loss of coordination
- Repeated falling
- Unusual inactivity despite suitable warmth
- Physical injury
- Rapid unexplained decline
Older adults naturally become less active toward the end of their lifespan.
Warning Signs in Larvae
Potential concerns include:
- Blackened body tissue
- Persistent surface wandering
- Failure to grow
- Unusual softness
- Repeated unexplained deaths
- Foul substrate
Check:
- Temperature
- Moisture
- Food quality
- Ventilation
Surface Wandering Larvae
A larva repeatedly wandering on the substrate surface may indicate unsuitable conditions.
Possible causes include:
- Excessive moisture
- Excessive dryness
- Poor substrate quality
- Overheating
- Approaching pupation
Assess the complete situation before intervening.
Common Husbandry Mistakes
Common mistakes include:
- Shallow breeding substrate
- Poor-quality larval substrate
- Keeping substrate waterlogged
- Allowing substrate to dry completely
- Overheating
- Insufficient ventilation
- Leaving rotten fruit for too long
- Disturbing pupal chambers
- Digging larvae up excessively
- Crowding large larvae
- Pulling adults from surfaces
- Failing to plan for offspring
Are Giant African Flower Beetles Suitable for Beginners?
Adult care is relatively straightforward.
However, breeding and raising larvae successfully requires greater understanding of:
- Substrate nutrition
- Moisture
- Larval development
- Pupation
For this reason, the species can be considered:
beginner to intermediate.
A beginner can maintain adults successfully, while breeding provides an excellent introduction to more advanced beetle husbandry.
Educational Value
Mecynorrhina torquata provides excellent opportunities to observe:
- Beetle anatomy
- Sexual dimorphism
- Male horn development
- Competition
- Flight
- Feeding behaviour
- Complete metamorphosis
- Larval development
- Pupation
- Adult emergence
Few captive invertebrates demonstrate complete metamorphosis as dramatically as a large flower beetle.
Why This Species Is Special
The Giant African Flower Beetle combines:
- Impressive adult size
- Striking colouration
- Elaborate male horns
- Active daytime behaviour
- Manageable adult husbandry
- Fascinating larval development
The transformation from a large subterranean C-shaped grub into a brightly coloured horned adult is particularly remarkable.
Responsible Ownership
Before obtaining Mecynorrhina torquata, ensure you can provide:
- Warm stable conditions
- Deep organic substrate
- High-quality larval food substrate
- Appropriate moisture
- Good ventilation
- Regular adult food
- Adequate space for offspring
Breeding should only be undertaken when sufficient substrate and rearing space are available for the resulting larvae.
Responsible Sourcing
Captive-bred beetles should be preferred whenever possible.
When purchasing breeding stock, ask for:
- Scientific identification
- Subspecies if known
- Captive lineage information
- Developmental stage
- Current diet
Correct identification becomes particularly important when maintaining breeding lines.
Legal Considerations
Regulations concerning exotic beetles vary by country and region.
Restrictions may apply to:
- Import
- Export
- Possession
- Breeding
- Sale
- Transport
Always check current regulations applicable to your location.
Never Release Captive Beetles
Never release:
- Adults
- Larvae
- Eggs
- Pupae
into the environment.
Unwanted animals should be responsibly rehomed.
Summary
The Giant African Flower Beetle (Mecynorrhina torquata) is a spectacular African flower chafer distinguished by its large size, variable colouration and impressive horned males.
Adults are primarily sugar feeders and readily accept commercial beetle jelly and ripe fruits such as banana, mango, pear and melon.
Successful adult husbandry requires warm temperatures of approximately 22–28°C, moderate humidity, good ventilation, deep organic substrate, secure housing and suitable climbing surfaces.
Breeding females require deep nutritious substrate in which to deposit their eggs.
The larvae are large C-shaped grubs that live within and consume decomposing organic matter. High-quality substrate containing decayed hardwood, decomposed leaves and other suitable organic material is fundamental to successful development.
Larvae progress through three main instars — L1, L2 and L3 — before constructing a pupal chamber.
Pupal chambers should be disturbed as little as possible. The beetle undergoes its remarkable transformation inside the chamber and may remain there for several weeks after becoming an adult while the exoskeleton hardens.
Adult males possess prominent forked horns and may wrestle with rivals. Group housing is possible, but adequate space and multiple feeding locations should be provided.
With good nutrition and patience, keepers can observe the entire transformation from egg to grub, grub to pupa and pupa to spectacular adult beetle, making Mecynorrhina torquata an especially rewarding species for anyone interested in beetle breeding.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This care sheet provides general husbandry guidance and does not replace current species-specific research or applicable wildlife, agricultural, import or invasive-species legislation.
Correct larval substrate is fundamental to successful husbandry. The substrate is not simply bedding — it is also the primary food source for developing larvae.
Use decomposed hardwood and leaf material from known pesticide-free sources. Never use chemically treated, painted or preserved timber.
Keep substrate slightly moist but never waterlogged, and provide adequate ventilation.
Adults should receive regular access to suitable ripe fruit or commercial beetle jelly. Remove spoiled food promptly.
Do not repeatedly disturb mature larvae or intact pupal chambers. Damage during pupation can result in deformity or death.
Adult beetles can fly. Handle them indoors in a secure room away from open windows and exterior doors.
Maintain accurate identification when breeding different Mecynorrhina forms or subspecies and avoid producing unidentified hybrids.
Never release captive adults, eggs, larvae or pupae into the environment.
Always verify current regulations concerning possession, breeding, sale, transport, import and export in your jurisdiction.
Information correct at the date of publication.
reptilecommunity.com | Revised: August 2026