Invertebrates
Rainbow Stag Beetle
Phalacrognathus muelleri · also called rainbow stag
Flashing a shimmering coat of green, gold, and copper as it moves across a rotting log, a rainbow stag beetle ranks among the most strikingly colourful insects anywhere, its male antler-like jaws ready for the same rival disputes fought by stag beetles the world over.
Overview
The rainbow stag beetle, Phalacrognathus muelleri, is native to rainforest habitat across northeastern Australia and parts of New Guinea. Its dazzling iridescent colouring, combative male mandibles, and popularity among beetle enthusiasts make it one of the most visually celebrated stag beetles found anywhere in the world.
Colour that outshines even its own family
Stag beetles are known worldwide for their dramatic jaws, but the rainbow stag beetle adds something most relatives lack entirely, a genuinely dazzling iridescent sheen that puts it among the most photographed and sought-after beetles for collectors and keepers alike.
Status
Not Evaluated for conservation status, found across suitable rainforest habitat throughout its range.
Rainbow Stag Beetle: common questions
Why is the rainbow stag beetle so colourful?
It displays a shimmering metallic sheen across green, gold, and copper tones, making it one of the most vividly coloured beetles found anywhere in the world.
Do male rainbow stag beetles fight like other stag beetles?
Yes, males carry enlarged, antler-like mandibles used in disputes with rival males over access to mates, the same basic combat style seen across the wider stag beetle family.
How long do rainbow stag beetle larvae take to develop?
Around one to two years, during which the larva feeds inside rotting logs before completing its development into an adult.
Where is the rainbow stag beetle found?
It is native to rainforest habitat across northeastern Australia and parts of New Guinea.