One of the largest insects in the world, the Hercules beetle is also one of the strongest. In the world of bugs, this beetle matches the strength of the legendary Greek hero for whom it's named. The beetle can lift up to 70 times its own weight! This insect usually leads a peaceful life, sipping on juices from plants and fruits, until two males decide to tangle. They use their long horns in titanic battles over food and females.
Up, Up...Clunk: Hercules beetles are bulky insects, about as big as an adult's hand and much bigger than a hummingbird. Though big and heavy, the beetles can take to the air on a set of powerful wings. Like many flying insects, these are attracted to light, and can be found clunking against street lamps at night-they confuse the light with that of the moon, which they use for navigation.
No Biting: Though the Hercules beetle looks like a vicious insect, it doesn't have the ability to bite anything. This creature's jaws are specially designed for slurping juices from plants and fruits rather than inflicting wounds.
Smack Down![]
Fighting is a way of life for male Hercules beetles.
Male Hercules beetles have curved, spiked horns up to 3.5 inches long and use these in their version of wrestlemania. Males fight with all their energy over access to lush feeding grounds, and even their choice of females during mating season. The beetles grab each other in tests of strength that end when one hurls the other out of its way. The struggles can take hours, but neither "wrestler" is hurt.
Grow Up Strong: Young Hercules beetles (larvae) look like little white worms before they change to adults. They munch away on decaying wood, gathering nutrients and energy to fuel their great transformation within two years.
Quick Change: The Hercules beetle can actually change the color of its hard shell to match its surroundings if it feels threatened. In a matter of seconds, the beetle adds water under its exoskeleton to turn from brown to yellow or green.
To the Mat[]
As a male Hercules beetle walks along a branch in search of food, it spots another male in its way. Seeing an opportunity for an easy victory, the beetle rushes toward his rival, grabbing it quickly in his spiked horns. The rival digs into the branch with its clawed feet, but the other male is too strong. The winner pries his rival from the branch and the losing beetle falls to the forest floor.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The trading card is classified under Tiny Terrors. The knowledge card is classed under Strange Wonders.
- It is one of several creatures to have this happen, along with Goliath Beetle and Jumping Spiders.
- The hercules beetle is mentioned on the goliath beetle's knowledge card for comparison.