They are among the largest of beetles, reaching
more than 150 mm (6 in) in length, but are completely harmless to
humans because they cannot bite or sting. Some species, such as the Hercules
Beetle, have been known to lift up to 850 times their own weight. Their common
names refer to the characteristic horns borne only by the males of most species
in the group. Each has a horn on the thorax and another horn pointing forward
from the center thorax. The horns are used in fighting other males during
mating season, and for digging. The size of the horn is a good indicator of
nutrition and physical health.
The body of an adult rhinoceros beetle is covered
by a thick exoskeleton. A pair of thick wings lay atop another
set of membranous wings underneath, allowing the rhinoceros beetle to fly,
although not very efficiently, owing to its large size. Their best protection
from predators is their size and stature. Additionally,
since they are nocturnal, they avoid many of their predators
during the day. When the sun is out, they hide under logs or in vegetation
to camouflage themselves from the few predators
big enough to want to eat them. If rhinoceros beetles are disturbed, some can
release very loud, hissing squeaks. The hissing squeaks are created by rubbing
their abdomens against the ends of their wing covers. Rhinoceros beetles are
rather well-protected, and a healthy adult male can live up to 2-3 years. The
females rarely live long after they mate.
These beetles' larval stages can be several years
long. The larvae feed on rotten wood and the adults feed on nectar, plant sap,
and fruit. First, the larvae hatch from eggs and later develop into pupae before
they reach adult status. The females lay 50 eggs on average. Contrary to what
their size may imply, adult rhinoceros beetles do not eat large amounts, unlike
their larvae, which eat a significant amount of rotting wood.
No comments:
Post a Comment