Though one may not regard the kabutomushi, or rhinoceros beetle, as cute and cuddly, they remain a favorite pet for Japanese children. These huge insects which can grow to 8cm are actually quite docile. Pitted against  one another, however, they turn into powerful fighters, though many children no longer participate in beetle battles (much like you wouldn’t enter your prized Pomeranian in a dog fight). In the country, adult beetles are commonly found in the warm summer months, but in the big city, one might have to pay 1000 to 3000 yen of precious allowance to own one for the few short months they survive as adults.