A large, beautifully patterned flower beetle with bold colours and a calm, impressive presence.
Mecynorhina oberthuri decorata is one of the most visually striking members of the Mecynorhina group, known for its broad, powerful build and ornate patterning. Adults typically display a rich green or olive base colour overlaid with clean cream or yellow markings, giving the species a distinctive “decorated” appearance that feels both exotic and refined. Males carry the characteristic Mecynorhina horn—broad, sculpted, and impressive without being aggressive—while females show a smooth, rounded head and equally attractive patterning.
This subspecies originates from forested regions of Central Africa, where adults feed on fruit, sap flows, and nectar sources. In captivity, they are gentle giants: calm, confident, and easy to observe. Their size and striking pattern make them excellent display beetles, and they settle quickly into routine feeding on beetle jelly, soft fruits, and nectar‑style foods.
Larvae grow large and steadily in nutrient‑rich flake soil, forming strong pupation cells when moisture is kept stable. Development is predictable, and adults emerge with excellent colour and structure when temperatures remain consistent. Once mature, M. oberthuri decorata is hardy, long‑lived, and a rewarding species for keepers who enjoy substantial, beautifully patterned beetles.
With its impressive size, ornate markings, and dependable care requirements, Mecynorhina oberthuri decorata is a superb choice for anyone looking to add a bold, eye‑catching flower beetle to their collection.
Decorated Giant Flower Beetle (Mecynorhina oberthuri decorata)
Size: L1/L2 Grub
Status: Captive Bred
Range: Cameroon, Gabon, DCR, Congo
Temperature 22-24 C Humidity 60-75% Diet Grubs - Flake Soil, Rotting Wood
Adults - soft fruit, mushrooms, beetle jelly
Enclosure As grubs keep in a smaller container in a depth
of substrate
As adults keeper terrestrial with a deep substrate
layer but also lots of wood and leaf little
for climbing

