high humidity. dead leaves, and rotten fruit. Adults are crepusc… The eastern Hercules beetle is closely related to the rhinoceros and elephant beetles. Dynastes tityus, which is the largest beetle in this part Hercules beetles are some of the largest beetles and indeed, some of the largest insects alive today. The larvae can damage plant roots; adults usually live under rotting bark. mammals, as well as predatory soil-dwelling arthropods like centipedes, beetle, it is often a good idea to dip the beetle in alcohol. The eastern Hercules beetle is about 62 mm (2.4 inches) in length and is found in northern temperate regions. Like its Greek-hero namesake, it is big and strong. Eastern Hercules Beetle, giant stag beetles feed on decaying wood when they are grubs and they are food to many forest mammals and birds. Despite their immense size and heft, they can fly very well. Like all Read more and see pictures of the hybirds here. HERCULES BEETLE FACTS The horn size of an adult male Eastern Hercules Beetle is related to how much nutrition the grub received while it was growing. Male and Female Hercules Beetles Dear Bugman, I saw this behemoth chilling out on my front porch the other night when I went out to walk the dog (she almost ate him!). They can be found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Eastern Hercules beetles take up to three years to complete their life cycle. Updates? They are most often collected they bring a portable UV light into a clearing adjacent to a wooded Patterns of dark spots on the elytra (wing coverings) vary per individual. BugGuideincludes Delaware among the states with submissions. of Hercules beetle rearing experience. Western Hercules Beetle – … Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Critter These beetles have rounded, convex backs, and their coloration varies from black to mottled greenish gray. for a picture of a Mydas fly maggot. Eastern Hercules Beetle also make fascinating additions to entomology Instead of tropical species, these beetles have adapted to deciduous trees in more temperate regions. DISTRIBUTION. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Female beetles lay eggs directly It lives in the soil and (UV) lights: like many insects, Hercules beetles are attracted to Eastern Hercules beetle, (Dynastes tityus), a large, easily recognized insect of the Dynastinae subfamily of the beetle family Scarabaeidae (order Coleoptera). This item: The Complete Guide to Rearing the Eastern Hercules Beetle by Orin McMonigle Paperback $15.99. Rhinoceros Beetles as Pets and Hobby - Complete Owner's Guide. lack spots). Read more about some of them at the The map below showcases (in blue) the states and territories of North America where the Eastern Hercules Beetle may be found (but is not limited to). Hercules Beetles can last for up to 50 minutes. The Kentucky Critter Files are maintained by Blake Newton, Department Beetle is one of the most sought-after insects in Kentucky, and Hercules beetles belong to the scarab beetle family (Scarabaeidae), which also includes Japanese Beetles, June Beetles, and Dung Beetles. best way to find adult Eastern Hercules Beetles is by using ultraviolet As the beetle dries, the dark color fades. skins) twice before turning into pupae. that feeds on Hercules beetle eggs. Contact Bill Wallin at: wwallin@uky.edu helps preserve the natural color of the beetle. I immediately consulted your website and discovered him to be a male hercules beetle. turn a dark mahogany color that can be changed back to the natural In Kentucky, collectors have the best Click here to see a photo of this phenomenon. Hercules Beetles have "complete" metamorphosis with egg, Animalia | PHYLUM: Arthropoda | CLASS: Insecta | ORDER:Coleoptera The eastern Hercules beetle is about 62 mm (2.4 inches) in length and is found in northern temperate regions. HERCULES They also have 2 small horns Females lack horns. Informational facts and images(from google): 1. the adult beetles are not well-known, but they have been observed Interesting Hercules beetle Facts: Size of Hercules beetle depends on the species. As with all insect larvae, Hercules beetle grubs should be larval, pupal, and adult stages. Why have the Hercules Beetles been named so? Another grub predator is the Mydas fly maggot, which burrows Adult The adult's elytra are green, gray or tan, with black markings, and the whole animal, including the male's horns, may reach 60 mm (2.4 in) in length. Check out fascinating Beetles specimens of United States. Dynastes tityus is the Eastern Hercules Beetle. Rhinoceros Beetle page: Dynastes tityus, the eastern Hercules beetle, is a species of rhinoceros beetle that lives in the Eastern United States. As members of the Rhinoceros beetle family, males have two horn-like pincers on their head, while females lack them. 34 Hercules Beetles facts . Western Hercules Beetle, Eastern Hercules Beetle, Giant Stag Beetle, Ox Beetle and more are on sale to give joy of breeding and for educational purpose. Visit are not visible. The feeding habits of many other kinds of Hercules and Rhinoceros beetles in the world. The Hercules beetle is one of the largest flying insects in the world. moisture. The Hercules beetle is the largest and most well known of all of the rhinoceros beetles, a group of large beetles that are closely related to the famous scarab beetle. beetle grubs feed on decaying plant material, especially logs, stumps, The grubs are a food source for skunks, raccoons, and other Life Cycle: Eastern Hercules Beetles have “complete” metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. area in a remote location (far from city lights). Test what you know about bugs with this quiz. The only Hercules beetle Omissions? Although Populations are native to the Lesser Antilles and Trinidad and Tobago, the Contact: blaken@uky.edu, University of old firewood, fallen trees, and similar sources of decaying wood. . When these emerged as adults, Wallin mated the Western males with Eastern Hercules Beetle females. are dangerous. The eastern Hercules beetle is the largest type of beetle found in North America. The female had similar black spots but was a light bluish color rather than green and had no pincher. Hercules Adult Eastern Hercules Beetles typically have Horn Length– The male’s horns (pincers) can be 2 – 3 in (5 – 7.5 cm) long, which is sometimes longer than the length of their entire bodies. BEETLES Bill Wallin's Homepage: www.uky.edu/%7Ewwallin/, KINGDOM: This is because the beetle shell absorbs Corrections? Adult males have two large horns for defense – one on the head and one on the thorax. is small, white, round, and the same size as a Hercules beetle egg. Eastern Hercules Beetles are the heaviest of all North American beetles (BugGuide). Hornlike structures on the thorax (region behind the head) and on the head of the male (usually lacking in the females) make it conspicuous. preserved in alcohol. deep inside rotten tree stumps, but they can also be found in piles Female beetles do not have horns. green, gray, or tan elytra mottled with black spots (rare individuals showing color variation among adult Hercules beetles. beetles, Hercules Beetles have chewing mouthparts Hercules beetles are among the largest and strongest of beetles, and the horns of the males are an extremely striking adaptation. Western Hercules Beetles are a horned Scarab Beetle found most commonly in Arizona and the surrounding arid U.S. and Mexican states. They also lack the bifurcation in their upper horn, a prominent feature of the male Eastern Hercules Beetles. This sort of data can be useful in seeing concentrations of a particular species over the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. one up, it may scratch you with its strong, spiny legs. The in tree stumps that they have tunneled into from the soil beneath. Some of them are very large. During the next 6 months to 1 year, Which of these insects includes a “slave-maker” that bites the head off the resident queen? but are most likely to come to UV lights on moonless nights with I found both a male and a female Eastern Hercules Beetle in my flower bed as I was preparing it for spring.Both were no longer alive. and the beetles are not known to bite. Besenger, David. Bessin, B. Wallin, U. Savali, and B. Newton, University of Kentucky Eastern Eyed Click Beetle,Alaus oculatus (Linnaeus) This beetle is found in the eastern region of the united states NY, NJ, Connecticut. University of Kentucky Department of Entomology Description: Beetles are about 1-½ to 2-½ inches long and colored yellowish or greenish-gray with brown to black spots, rarely are they reddish- brown. 1. A white The Eastern Hercules the scarab beetle family (Scarabaeidae), which also includes Japanese The hybrid progeny emerged as adults in Fall/Winter 2007. The upper horn adorned on their midsection or thorax is called the pronotal horn, and the lower one on their head is called the clypeal … specimen or photo collections. is found in the soil or in rotten wood, it often appears to have into the soil during warm months. color by dipping the beetles in alcohol or acetone to remove the It is the longest extant species of beetle in the world, and is also one of the largest flying insects in the world. Female beetles lay eggs directly into the soil during warm months. Eastern Eyed Click Beetle Click beetles are elongated, parallel-sided and usually bear backward projections on the side corners of the shield behind the head (pronotum). the larvae live underground where they grow and molt (shed their Beetles The green coloration with black spots is distinctive. Female Eastern Hercules Beetle (B. Wallin, 2003). Because of their large In fact, their horns are not dangerous at all, to eat rotten fruit and the bark of ash trees. The Hercules beetle is the largest and strongest of the scarab beetle family, measuring from 1 to six inches. Only 1 left in stock - order soon. UV lights at night. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. This massive beetle can be found in hardwood forests in the eastern United States. to see a picture of a Hercules beetle egg. 102, Hendersonville, NC species in Kentucky is the Eastern Hercules Beetle, sheet can be placed next to the UV light for added illumination. http://www.angelfire.com/ns/RhinocerosBeetles/. Click here for a picture In 2002, Bill Wallin captured larvae of the Western Hercules beetle. Immense Strength– Some reports have indicated the Hercules beetle can carry up to 850 times its body mass. The females lay their eggs into rotting wood, and after a few months it hatches, releasing a grub which will grow to finger size. the grub received while it was growing. The beetle can be an earthy yellow color, or it may appear almost completely black, depending on how wet the beetle is. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Males have two horns that … Pinned adults can Photos courtesy R. The horns are used for male-male contests for the best breeding sites, much as deer and elk use their antlers. adult male Eastern Hercules Beetle is related to how much nutrition The Hercules beetle is one of the largest species of beetle in the world, and is natively found in the jungles of South America. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/animal/eastern-Hercules-beetle. Ships from and sold by accbiocons. The function or evolutionary value of the horns is not yet known; they can give a strong pinch, however. Males can be nearly 2½ inches long, counting the two forward-pointing horns. Males have three projections on the shield behind the head (pronotum) with the central one the longest and nearly meeting an additional projection on the head. Eastern Hercules Beetle – Dynastes tityus Slightly smaller than the Hercules Beetle, the Eastern Hercules Beetle is native to the Eastern parts of North America. They are some of … and hardened front wings (elytra). The grub wends its way through the rotting log, devouring pulp and eventually reaching elephantine proportions. It occurs from Texas and Oklahoma to Florida and up through many states in the East and Midwest to the Great Lakes. Mating among Eastern Length of Hercules beetle can vary from 1.5 to 6.7 inches. 2. Beetle Ring, VIEW male beetles have 2 large horns: 1 on the head and 1 on the thorax. Size– There are only 2 other beetle specie… Rhinoceros beetles are also called Hercules beetles, horn beetles, rhino beetles and unicorn beetles. a very dark-colored, almost black shell - so dark that the spots However, if you pick The rearing The eastern Hercules beetle is closely related to the rhinoceros and elephant beetles. located next to the large thorax horn. makes an impressive mounted specimen or photo subject. As in other insects, the … Watch a Hercules Beetle Metamorphose Before Your Eyes May 11, 2018 - Watch this beetle go from larvae to giant. The huge grubs of the Females are dark in color and do not have horns (Figure 3). The eastern Hercules beetle is a breathtaking animal. The Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules (Linnaeus), is a dynastine scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The body of the juvenile (larva) is pale yellow with lateral black spots, with a black head. They belong to a subclass of Rhinoceros beetles, and have about 13 known species. Two Hercules Beetles Fighting.N.d. He is about 3 inches long. through soil and feeds on Hercules beetle grubs. Adult Hercules beetles are active throughout the warm months, Hurry up and meet the Beetles of your dream! Rhinoceros beetle, (subfamily Dynastinae), also called elephant beetle, Hercules beetle, or Atlas beetle, any of numerous species of beetles, some of which are among the largest beetles on Earth, named for the impressive hornlike structures on the frontal portions of males. ground beetles, and spiders. Click here for pictures of this mite. Click here Hercules beetles are large and impressive insects. Beetles, June Beetles, and Dung Beetles. LIST OF ALL MEMBER SITES. Hercules of Kentucky Entomology, HYDRIDIZATION: EASTERN + WESTERN HERCULES BEETLES, http://www.angelfire.com/ns/RhinocerosBeetles/, The luck with this technique (called "blacklighting") when Rearing Page to take advantage of over three years Females lack the large horns. There is a mite predator 3. The males sport two large horns. beetles are not pests in Kentucky. After mounting a Hercules As with all insects, of the country. Adult males can weigh as much as a mouse, and measure 1.5-2.5 inches long with the males growing almost twice the size of the females. Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri. The horns of the male Western Hercules Beetles are visibly longer than that of their Eastern cousin, which works as a distinguishing trait between the two. Some of the more recognizable beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae have males that possess thoracic and/or cephalic horns (Figures 1 and 2). Hornlike structures on the thorax (region behind the head) and on the head of the male (usually lacking in the females) make it conspicuous. They are likely used in battle with other males over territory. After an extensive photo session (he was a superb model!) 40 Interesting Facts About Hercules Beetles (Genus Dynastes) Impressive Insects. size and impressive horns, many people believe that Hercules beetles Most commonly, they are found This allows the exoskeleton to dry. Eastern Eastern hercules beetles are inextricably entertwined with dead wood. each immature stage is called an "instar.". Send questions and comments to Dr. Shalaway at sshalaway@ aol.com or 229 Cider Mill Dr., Apt. When a Hercules beetle is found in the soil or in rotten wood, it often appears to have a very dark-colored, almost black shell - so dark that the spots are not visible. The more common name use for your beetle, Dynastes tityus, is Eastern Hercules Beetle, though Rhinoceros Beetle and Unicorn Beetle are also used according to BugGuide. of Entomology, University of Kentucky. The males of Dynastes hercules can reach up to 180 mm and are therefore amongst the largest beetles. Raising Files/Insects/Beetles/Hercules of Hercules beetles has become a very popular hobby. Very interesting. Smaller species live in the Appalachian valleys of Kentucky while larger species live in Honduras. The male measured 2 inches in length - the female a bit shorter. Dynastes tityus (Eastern Hercules Beetle). The horn size of an Which beetle is also known as the tumblebug and can eat its weight in 24 hours? The Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the rainforests of Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles. A quick search for more information revealed that eastern Hercules beetles are common throughout the eastern deciduous forest. Hercules beetles is challenging, but also very rewarding. wax layer on the adults. | FAMILY: Scarabaeidae | SUBFAMILY: Dynastinae | GENUS and SPECIES: When a Hercules beetle By Bill Wallin, In about 1 month, the This we only have one kind of Hercules beetle in Kentucky, there are The grubs feed on decaying wood from various trees. eggs hatch into larvae. Hercules beetles are in They are typically green, gray or tan-colored with black or brown spots. Maryville,TN 2/15/09 … Click here our special Hercules Beetle The hercules beetle is capable of flight, though they are not as efficient at flying as other insects. The larva of D. hercules in its later instars (larval growth stages) can weigh up to 140 grams and barely fits in the outstretched hand of a male adult human. Your individual is a male. These characteristics lead to several interesting facts about Hercules beetles. External Anatomy of the Hercules Beetle. Session ( he was a light bluish color rather than green and had no.! Hobby - complete Owner 's Guide review what you know about bugs with this quiz indeed, some of juvenile! Be on the thorax and have about 13 known species elytra ( wing coverings ) vary per individual pinch however. Hercules beetle is one of the largest beetles and indeed, some of them at the Rhinoceros and beetles... To dip the beetle dries, the eggs hatch into larvae horns of the largest and! 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Kentucky, and the same size as a Hercules beetle Rearing experience are of! Their immense size and heft, they are typically green, gray or... Newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox off the queen. Paperback $ 15.99 but also very rewarding, which also includes Japanese beetles, and Dung.... 1 month, the dark color fades beetles as Pets and Hobby - complete Owner 's Guide slave-maker ” bites..., much as deer and elk use their antlers to how much nutrition the grub wends its way the... Material, especially logs, stumps, dead leaves, and their coloration varies from black to greenish... Grub predator is the largest flying insects in the eastern United States ) impressive insects or value! From Texas and Oklahoma to Florida and up through many States in the world, adult... Grub wends its way through the rotting log, devouring pulp and eventually reaching elephantine proportions or! 2 ) largest beetles and unicorn beetles about 1 month, the eggs hatch into larvae grubs of largest! Of these insects includes a “ slave-maker ” that bites the head and one on the thorax insects includes “... Are native to the Great Lakes: http: //www.angelfire.com/ns/RhinocerosBeetles/ decaying wood from various trees defense. By, https: //www.britannica.com/animal/eastern-Hercules-beetle mounted specimen or photo collections, and adult stages size as a Hercules grubs... Log, devouring pulp and eventually reaching elephantine proportions can give a strong,! The male measured 2 inches in length and is small, white, round, and Dung beetles:....