Additionally, since they are nocturnal, they avoid many of their predators during the day. Their best protection from predators is their size and stature. A pair of thick wings lie atop another set of membranous wings underneath, allowing the rhinoceros beetle to fly, although not very efficiently, owing to its large size. The body of an adult rhinoceros beetle is covered by a thick exoskeleton. The size of the horn is a good indicator of nutrition and physical health. The horns are used in fighting other males during mating season, and for digging. Each has a horn on the head and another horn pointing forward from the center of the thorax. Common names of the Dynastinae refer to the characteristic horns borne only by the males of most species in the group. Some modern Oryctini grew up to 7 centimetres (2.8 in). An extinct Eocene Oryctoantiquus borealis was the largest fossil scarabeid, with a length of 5 centimetres (2.0 in). Some species have been anecdotally claimed to lift up to 850 times their own weight. The Dynastinae are among the largest of beetles, reaching more than 15 cm (6 in) in length, but are completely harmless to humans because they cannot bite or sting. Larva (back), pupa (center), imago (front) Some famous species are, for example, the Atlas beetle ( Chalcosoma atlas), common rhinoceros beetle ( Xylotrupes ulysses), elephant beetle ( Megasoma elephas), European rhinoceros beetle ( Oryctes nasicornis), Hercules beetle ( Dynastes hercules), Japanese rhinoceros beetle or kabutomushi ( Allomyrina dichotoma), ox beetle ( Strategus aloeus) and the Eastern Hercules beetle ( Dynastes tityus).ĭescription and ecology European rhinoceros beetle – three stages from larva to adult: Many rhinoceros beetles are well known for their unique shapes and large sizes. Over 1500 species and 225 genera of rhinoceros beetles are known. Other common names – some for particular groups of rhinoceros beetles – include Hercules beetles, unicorn beetles or horn beetles. Last Modified May 7th, 2005.Dynastinae or rhinoceros beetles are a subfamily of the scarab beetle family (Scarabaeidae). ↑ Newton, Blake Hercules Kentucky Insects.↑ Troutman, Devon Rhinoceros Beetle Digital insect collection.
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