The speckled and horned Eastern Hercules Beetle is a Scarab Beetle that is as strong and large as a rhinoceros compared to other beetles.
This massive beetle can be found in hardwood forests in the Eastern U.S.. Despite their immense size and heft, they can fly very well. As members of the Rhinoceros beetle family, males have two horn-like pincers on their head, while females lack them. They are likely used in battle with other males over territory. Both genders are a creamy, yellowish color with black dots that look like droplets. Their overall color can darken when they are fully hydrated and fed.
Larvae eat decaying wood from a variety of dead trees like pines, oak, maples and others. They grow for 2 years before becoming mature adults, pupating inside a rotted tree in a protective cell made of soil and their own feces. The larvae finish pupating in autumn, but stay inside the tree until warmer temperatures return in the spring. Adults are attracted to rotting fruits, tree sap and lights at night.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Scarabaeidae
Genus:Dynastes
Species:tityus
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Dynastes tityus
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 40mm to 60mm (1.56in to 2.34in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: ivory; black; beige; tan; brown
