Prosopocoilus dissimilis, commonly known as the Sawtooth Stag Beetle, is a striking species native to Southeast Asia. Males are instantly recognizable by their elongated mandibles lined with saw-like teeth, which they use in contests over territory and mates. Females are smaller and lack the exaggerated jaws, but both sexes share a glossy reddish-brown to dark coloration that gives them a polished, lacquered look.
In captivity, these beetles are relatively straightforward to maintain. Adults feed readily on soft fruits such as banana, apple, and peach, while larvae require a deep substrate of decaying hardwood to burrow and develop. The larval stage can last several months to over a year, depending on conditions, before pupation and emergence as adults.
Ecologically, P. dissimilis plays a role in forest nutrient cycling. Larvae break down rotting wood, while adults disperse seeds through fruit consumption. Their impressive mandibles and sheen make them popular among beetle keepers, both for display and breeding projects, and they serve as excellent ambassadors for the diversity of stag beetles in tropical ecosystems.
Saw Tooth Stag Beetle (Prosopocoilus dissimilis)
Size: L3 Grubs (unsexed)
Status: Captive BredRange: Thailand and surrounding countries
Temperature 24-28 C Humidity 65-75 % Diet Flake Soil, Rotting wood, leaf litter, peat (Grubs)
Beetle Jelly, fruit (adult)
Enclosure 45x30x30 for adult pair
15-20cm of substrate for grubs

