
The **Dicronocephalus wallichii** beetle, commonly known as the Antler Horn Beetle or **Reindeer Beetle**, is a striking member of the Scarabaeidae family (subfamily Cetoniinae) . Males are distinguished by their dramatic antler-like horns, which are used in competition for mates, while females lack these structures and exhibit a more subdued appearance . This species showcases sexual dimorphism not only in horn morphology but also in size, with adults typically measuring 20–32 mm in length . Their exoskeletons often display a velvety greenish-gold sheen, with males sometimes featuring reddish accents on their horns, contributing to their "reindeer" moniker . Native to East and Southeast Asia, including China, these beetles inhabit lush tropical and subtropical forests, where they feed on tree sap, fruits, and decaying plant matter .
In China, *Dicronocephalus wallichii* is primarily distributed in regions such as **Liaoning Province** and other areas with temperate to subtropical climates . The species is part of the *wallichii* group, which includes subspecies like *D. wallichii wallichii* and *D. wallichii bowringi*, though taxonomic debates persist about their classification . Female beetles exhibit notable maternal care, ensuring larvae have sufficient food by packaging eggs in nutrient-rich leaf parcels, a behavior observed in related subspecies . These beetles are also sought after by collectors for their unique appearance, with ethically sourced specimens often originating from sustainable farming operations in their native habitats . Their ecological role in decomposing organic matter highlights their importance in forest ecosystems across their range.
We firmly support the sustainable tropical butterfly collections as long as they take care of the conservation of the rainforest where they fly and the development of responsible conscious trading. This allows us to support local ranching farms with ethically sourced material and help at the same time collectors and enthusiasts to contribute to understanding and treasuring those species.
Please take into consideration that the specimen that you will receive may slightly differ in size, shape or colour from the picture shown as you are purchasing a natural product.
SPECIMEN | |
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Country | China |
Average size | 30 to 40 mm |
Locality | Yunnan Prov |
Collection type | Wild collected |
Bio-zone | Indomalayan |