It is classified under the subfamily Lucaninae of the stag beetle family Lucanidae.

Some individuals of the Sumatra subspecies (Hexarthrius parryi paradoxus) can reach a length of about 97 millimetres (3.8 in).

Males have long jaws directed downward from the base, with bifurcated tips and a large yellow or bright orange patch occupying the posterior three-quarters of each elytron.

[4] Eggs are laid into rotten wood, sometimes into tunnels made by the females.

[5] This species is present in the forests of Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and India.