2007-03-17 11:27:46 · 4 answers · asked by 99escort51 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
"The Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) is the most famous of the rhinoceros beetles. Native to the rain forests of Central and South America, their title is well deserved, with some (exceptionally rare) males reaching 6.75 inches (170 mm) in length. It is the largest of the 6 species in the Dynastes genus, and one of the largest beetles known, being exceeded in length by only two other beetles in the family Cerambycidae, Macrodontia cervicornis (specimens of 170-175 mm are known) and Titanus giganteus (several 180+ mm specimens are known to exist). However, if the horns are excluded, this species drops considerably farther down in the size rankings. "
2007-03-17 12:26:06 · answer #1 · answered by luckyme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The largest beetles in the world are a species of rhinoceros beetles that live in the lush tropical rainforests near the Equator. The massive Hercules beetle, Dynastes hercules, can grow up to 8 inches in length! The males and females are very different in appearance. In fact, for a long time, people thought that the two sexes were a different species. The males are smooth and shiny with wing cases that are a beautiful olive-green color with large black spots. They have huge, sword shaped horns that can be 2.5 to 4 inches long, growing from their thorax and extending forward in a large curve over their heads. The front of their heads also has a horn pointing forward and curving upward. This horn has several sturdy notches on it. These horns are curved to meet each other and look like pincers. They can make up more than half the body length of the beetles. The females don't have thes horns and have beaded wing cases covered in a thick layer of reddish hairs.
2007-03-17 12:37:52 · answer #2 · answered by PE7E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Hercules Beetle is the largest beetle in the world, growing up to 8 inches in length! It has a horn growing out of its thorax that is between 2-4 inches long and a complementary horn growing from its head. The two together look like a crab pincer.
2007-03-17 11:33:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a type of rhinoceros beetle.
With males reaching up to 6 3/4" (including the horn), it is the largest in its family and the third largest beetle in the world. The Titan Beetle - at up to 8" is the largest.
Some cool pics can be found here:
http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4th/kkhp/1insects/hercbeetle.html
http://www.naturalworlds.org/scarabaeidae/species/Dynastes_hercules.htm
2007-03-17 11:31:31 · answer #4 · answered by searchpup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋