The Eastern Hercules Beetle can only be described as spectacular. With its large size and striking horns it is no surprise that this beetle is popular among many insect hobbyists.

The Eastern Hercules Beetle can be kept in captivity quite easily. House it in a glass or plastic aquarium tank. Use native soil (if possible), mulch, and dry leaves to cover the bottom. Give it some bark or cover. Feed it with bananas, peaches, and other soft fruits, and diluted maple syrup. In the wild mature Eastern Hercules Beetles often feed on sap, so maple syrup makes a good substitute. In addition, they may also nibble on dog food kibbles left in the tank.

The Eastern Hercules Beetle is among the largest beetles found in the United States, with males growing as large as 2.8 inches (6.5 centimeters); some even larger individuals have been reported. Males are generally larger than females. The males may also be distinguished by the presence of two horns, which protrude outward from their heads. Females lack these horns. Males and females also may have slightly different coloring. The coloration of the male ranges from ashen gray to olive green. Coloration may vary depending on where the individual lives. The females are generally darker and have a more brownish-tint in their coloring. Both males and females have spots on their wing covers (elytra). The spot patterns are unique to each individual. They are similar to human fingerprints, because no two beetles will ever have the same spots. The Eastern Hercules Beetle is reported to be one of the most beautiful of all the Dynastes beetles.

This species is found in the Eastern United States, primarily the southeast, though some have been seen as far north as New Jersey. Individuals may be seen as far west as Texas. Because this species breeds in old trees, which are rapidly disappearing, this species may be difficult to find in the wild. This species is sometimes confused with the Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle, which is only found in Arizona. Eastern Hercules Beetles are quite similar in appearance to the Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle. Dynastes tityus is also quite large and has a similar color to that of the Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle. These two species are quite difficult to distinguish, the Eastern Rhinoceros usually have short, stout horns with no "fork" at the end, whereas the Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle usually has longer horns. Unfortunately you can have a "lesser male" granti that also has short horns, so, this is where another clue comes into play. Eastern Rhinoceros are almost always greener in appearance while Grant's Rhinoceros are generally grayer.

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The breeding tank should have decaying wood in it, since this is where the Eastern Hercules Beetle lays its eggs in the wild. After the eggs are laid, the incubation period is reported to last between 3 and 4 months, though one hobbyist reported a much shorter period of only 30 days. It is reported that the Eastern Hercules Beetle takes an exceptionally long time to reach maturity, ranging from a year to a year and a half. If, in captivity, they are allowed to hibernate, it may take as long as two years from when the first eggs were laid for individuals to reach sexual maturity. In some cases, they may take as long as three years to breed.

It is reported that females may not lay eggs or will not lay many eggs, if they are not allowed to hibernate. Hibernation is quite long, lasting an average of 6 months.

Larvae should be given compost, leaves, and rotten wood. In the wild larvae develop in dead trees. Larvae typically take 8 months until they undergo metamorphoses to their final adult form. They will, however, molt several times before they undergo the final change. Larvae will eat voraciously until this time.