[4] Despite the size of the horns, Dynastes tityus is harmless to humans. [1], Dynastes tityus was featured on a stamp issued by the United States Postal Service in October 1999. Weight (2020, June 18). Other rhinoceros beetles either have a single horn on their head, or 3+ horns protruding from different areas of the exoskeleton. For instance, we know Hercules beetles use their shiny, scimitar-like horns to grapple with other males and fling them off trees—but the jousts aren’t over females, precisely. After 12–18 months, the larvae pupatein late summer. The larvae can grow up to 11 cm (4.5 in) in length and weigh more than 100 grams. [11] Once hatched, the larval stage of the Hercules beetle may last up to two years in duration, where it will go through 3 metamorphosis stages, also known as instars. (B. Wallin, 2003) The adults emerge from pupae after only a few weeks, but will remain underground until spring. “A caterpillar will spin a cocoon out of silk that they make with their mouthparts,” says Gwen Pearson, an entomologist at the University of Purdue. [17], D. hercules does not negatively affect human activities, either as an agricultural pest or disease vector. After undergoing metamorphosis as a pupa for 2-3 months, the adult beetle will break out of the old exoskeleton. Cookies added by Google Analytics are governed by the privacy policies of Google Analytics. [3][4], Adult body sizes (not including the thoracic horn) vary between 50 and 85 mm (2.0 and 3.3 in) in length and 29 and 42 mm (1.1 and 1.7 in) in width. Retrieved from https://biologydictionary.net/hercules-beetle/. But to truly understand these insects and their heft, you need to watch the video. The mating season for adults typically occurs during the rainy season (July to December). Plus, insects make great starter pets for kids. Predators The top horn extends from the head, whereas the bottom horn extends from the thorax (the middle section of the body, between the head and the abdomen). [11], D. hercules is a beneficial contributor to the rain forest ecosystem, primarily during their larval stage where they are saproxylophagous. Instead, the males appear to be vying for control of the best positions at a feeding site—such as a nice sap flow on a tree trunk or a particularly juicy piece of fruit. While the North American Hercules beetles can reach three inches in length, it’s their southern cousins that truly impress, getting to up to seven inches long. Yes, we are talking about Hercules beetles—some of the largest flying insects on Earth. Growing up to nearly 3.5 inches, the main Hercules beetle is one of the largest beetle species in the world! Delete cookies, By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Much of the Hercules beetles’ natural habitat has been negatively affected by both air and water pollution, or lost due to deforestation. [4], The elytra are green, gray, or tan, usually with black mottling. Females have an average gestation period of 30 days from copulation to egg-laying, and may lay up to 100 eggs on the ground or on dead wood. The larvae are large, white, C-shaped grubs. http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/beetles/hercule… [5] Male Hercules beetles may reach up to 173 mm (7 in) in length (including the horn), making them the longest species of beetle in the world, if jaws and/or horns are included in the measurement. As a result you will need to gain a supply of substrate to feed and house your larvae. [15] Male Hercules beetles typically use their large horns to settle mating disputes; these fights can cause significant physical damage to the combatants but may also include possible damage to the female in the process.

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