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Everything You Need To Know About Giant Beetles
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From fearsome horns and jaws … to truly titanic insect larvae (lahr-vay) … Here is everything you need to know about giant beetles! • Subscribe to Epic Wildlife http://goo.gl/6rzs5u • Let's Connect • -- http://www.epicadamwildlife.com/ • -- / epicadamwildlife • -- / epicwildlife • -- http://gplus.to/epicwildlife • #9 Elephant Beetles • This species of rhinoceros beetle is found in rainforests from southern Mexico to South America. Males of this species can reach lengths of nearly 5 inches (12 cm) and males can be up to 3 times as large as females. They also have some interesting uses. In some parts of Central America the male’s head is decorated with gold and used as a charm bracelet. But the beetle’s potential military applications are even more intriguing. Did you know that researchers have implanted electrodes into the pupae of these beetles? As the insects become adults, their flying behavior can be directed by remote control! • • #8 Giant Fijian (fee-GEE-uhn) Beetle • Specimens of this insect found on an island of Fiji have measured nearly 6 inches long (15 cm) excluding the legs and antennae. As is the case with many of these larger beetles, they come equipped with powerful jaws, so care is always advised if handling them. You’ll know to back off if you hear them emit a loud, scary hissing sound which serves as a warning to aggressors. In some remote villages of the island, the beetle larvae is consumed as a food source. • #7 Rhinoceros Beetles • There are over 300 species of this insect, which is a subfamily of the scarab beetle. These animals are distinguished by their scary-looking spikes which enable them to overturn their opponents when battling for mates. The horns themselves will typically make up a third of the beetle's body weight. They show up in a variety of shapes and large sizes, usually growing to around 6 inches (150 mm) on average, although some are considerably larger. A few of the better known species include the Hercules beetle and the titan beetle, both of which show up on our list. Did you know that the size of their horns indicates the insect’s state of physical health? • • #6 Sabertooth Longhorn Beetle • Exceeding 6.5 inches long (17 cm), it’s no wonder why this specimen is regarded as one of the world’s largest beetles. Part of its size is due to the length of its mandibles; its scientific name translates to “long tooth” and “deer antler”. They’re found in rainforests from Central to South America, and they have an unusual life cycle. Their larval stage can last for 10 years. But as adults they live for only a few months, which is just enough time for them to disperse and reproduce. • #5 Goliath Beetles • Named for the giant in the Bible, these critters can reach lengths of about 4.5 inches (110 mm) and weigh up to 3.5 ounces (100 grams). In terms of weight, size and bulk they’re regarded as some of the world’s largest insects. But it’s in the larval stage that these insects are truly giant-sized. Larvae can reach nearly 10 inches long (250 mm) while weighing about the same as adult-sized specimens. Along with their huge sizes, this species is also known for displaying some striking patterns, too. • #4 Goliathus goliatus (goliath-us go-LIE-uh-tus) • Following up with goliath beetles and the patterns they can exhibit, we found a specimen that provides a good example of suc. Found across eastern to western equatorial Africa, ‘Goliathus goliatus’ occurs in several colors while displaying a prominent vertical striping. They can grow more than 4 inches long (110 mm) and possess two sets of wings, one of which is used for flying. • #3 Atlas Beetle • Another big beetle named for a mythological figure, this species is found in Southeast Asia. Males are noted for their three horns and for reaching lengths exceeding 5 inches (130 mm). Their larvae is said to exhibit some aggressive behavior if touched, including biting. Some sources also claim that if the larvae are situated in a group, they will fight each to the death if food supplies run too low. Did you know that these beetles serve as host for the Giant Scoliid Wasp? With a wingspan of about 4.5 inches (11.6 cm) it’s one of the largest wasps in the world. • #2 Titan Beetle • This is amongst the largest of known beetles, with documented lengths exceeding 6.5 inches (17 cm). While the Hercules beetle has a greater length, much of that is due to its large horn. The Titan Beetle actually has the larger body. It also has sharp mandibles capable of cutting into human flesh, and are powerful enough to snap a pencil in two! Interestingly, larvae of this insect have never been found. But there’s evidence to suggest that the grubs could reach lengths of 12 inches (30 cm) while growing 2 inches wide (5 cm). That would make for a Titanic beetle, wouldn’t it? • • 1...
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