[1] D. hopei eggs are laid in decaying wood logs in forests of China, Korea, and Japan.

Because of their native range, the D. hopei has developed to overwinter the icy seasons in Japan, Korea, and China.

[5] In studies conducted for D. hopei reproduction, it was found that the males and females typically mate on oak trees of their forest habitat.

[8] Dorcus hopei, as with many stag beetles, are known for their large, antler like mandibles found in the males of the species.

[1] This has stumped researchers, leaving them unsure how this complex protein developed to be so similar to that of another distinct species.

Evolutionarily, Dorcus hopei are closely related to other stag beetles and share many of the distinct traits.

[11] A unique factor among stag beetles is that their hemocytes all look relatively similar and are very close to those in their family Lucanidae.

This has evolved from independently of other insects as a form of protection and appears to have specific gene sequences common in all Coleopterans.

Initially believed to be separate species, it was determined that Dorcus hopei binodulosus, found more commonly on the Korean peninsula, shared the same signature genital morphology, and was deemed a subspecies.

[12] The larvae of the D. hopei remain in their larval state for around one or two years before pupating, meaning that they are indirect developers and undergo a metamorphosis.