Insects World

 Hercules Beetle

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name - Dynastes hercules

Domain              - Eukaryota

kingdom            - Animalia

Phylum              - Arthropoda

Class                   - Insecta 

Order                 - Coleoptera

Family               - Scarabaeidae

Genus                - Dynastes

Species              - D.hercules

The  Hercules Beetle is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the rainforests of Central America, South America and Lesser Antilles. It is the longest extant species of beetle in the world, and is also one of the largest flying insects in the world. Dynastes hercules is known for it's tremendous strength and is named after Hercules, a hero of classical mythology who is famed for his great strength.

Populations of Dynastes hercules may be found from Southern Mexico to Bolivia in mountainous and lowland rain forests, Known populations include the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Chromosomal analysis has shown that the genus Dynastes in fact originated from South America. Adult body sizes vary between 50 and 85mm in length and 29 and 42mm in width. Male Hercules beetles may reach up to 173mm in length, making them the longest species of beetle in the world, if jaws and/or horns are included in the measurement. Beetles have four stages of development, egg-larvae-pupa-adult, and can live up to 6 months depending on availability of food.

Because of their large size and impressive horns, many people believe that Hercules beetles are dangerous. But it does not negatively affect human activities, either as an agricultural pest or disease vector. In fact, their horns are not dangerous at all, and the beetles are not known to bite. However, if you pick one up, it may scratch you with it's strong, spiny legs.

😊😊😊