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