Hercules beetle | Facts & Information

Origin

It was named after his ability to lift weights 850 times larger than his body.

The number of the population of Hercules beetles is continuously decreasing due to habitat loss (deforestation of forests, water and air pollution).

It is a beautiful species that will soon be extinct.

Food Beetle Hercules

The Hercules beetle spends most of its time searching for food, both in larva form and as an adult. When it is larva digs tunnels and looks for the roots of the favorite trees on which they feed.

As an adult it covers a much larger area and looks for food at ground level.

The Hercules beetle is omnivorous. Most of the food they eat throughout their lives is plant-based.

Roots are favorites, but they also consume fruits or other small insects.

Features Beetle Hercules

The Hercules beetle is the largest and most famous of its kind. The largest specimens are over 17cm long. Only males have these large pincers, which makes sexual dimorphism evident. Males are the only ones who have horns.

The female has a larger body. The subspecies below have sizes ranging from 5 to 15cm. Generally in descriptions females appear to be smaller because many measure with the males ' pliers.

The horns of the Hercules beetle can grow larger than its body. They are used to resolve disputes between males. It has as natural enemies bats, rats, birds, reptiles and other omnivorous animals.

Birds are by far the most dangerous. The Hercules beetle is one of the most powerful beings on Earth. It can lift and carry over 850 times its weight.

Adults can make a sound when they feel threatened, grabbed by the hand or by a predator. If they can they will try to fly to escape.

Dynastes hercules baudrii

Dynastes hercules bleuzeni

Dynastes hercules equatorianus

Dynastes hercules hercules

Dynastes hercules septentrionalis

Dynastes hercules tuxtlaensis

Dynastes hercules occidentals

Reproduction Beetle Hercules

The larva stage in the Hercules beetle lasts up to two years, and the larva grows up to 11 cm and reaches a weight of 100 grams. Most of life in the larva stage is to dig tunnels in search of roots to feed.

At the end of the larva period it turns into a pupa in which the adult beetle develops. Adults will roam a large area in search of their favorite food.

Maculae fight severe fights for reproduction. The fight takes place until one of the two gives in.

The winner mates with the female. Mating takes place in the rainy season (from July to December). Adults become sexually mature after 15-22 months of age.

The female lays up to 100 eggs in the ground. The gestation period is 30 days. After laying eggs there is no need for maternal care.

After birth the larvae go through several stages as they grow.