Goliath Eastern Hercules Beetle: Essential Facts & Tips

The Eastern Hercules beetle is a fascinating and impressive insect native to the United States. As one of the largest beetle species in the country, it’s a true wonder of the natural world. With its unique characteristics and vibrant colors, it’s no surprise that this giant is a popular topic of conversation among insect enthusiasts.

These behemoth beetles can be identified by their large size, with males reaching up to 7 inches in length, including their prominent horns, which are usually about 1/3 of their body length source. Females, on the other hand, are typically smaller and lack horns. The colors of Eastern Hercules beetles can vary, making them even more interesting to observe.

Eastern Hercules beetles belong to the family Scarabaeidae, which includes well-known insects like June beetles and dung beetles source. Despite their intimidating size and appearance, these gentle giants are harmless to humans.

Overview of Eastern Hercules Beetle

Scientific Classification

The Eastern Hercules Beetle, scientifically known as Dynastes tityus, is a fascinating and impressive insect. It belongs to the following taxonomic groups:

• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Coleoptera
• Family: Scarabaeidae
• Genus: Dynastes
• Species: D. tityus

As part of the family Scarabaeidae, this beetle shares a kinship with June beetles, Japanese beetles, and dung beetles. Some key features of the Eastern Hercules Beetle include:

• One of the largest insects in the U.S
• Adult males can reach up to 7 inches in length
• Horn-like structures on adult males

Adult beetles display sexual dimorphism, with notable differences between males and females. For example:

• Males have large horns, often about 1/3 of their body length
• Females lack horns, and have more uniform body shapes

Adult Eastern Hercules Beetles use these physical traits in various ways:

• Males use their horns to compete for mating opportunities
• The robust body size helps them in defense and foraging

Regarding habitat and lifecycle, Eastern Hercules Beetles are primarily found in wooded areas. They have a life cycle consisting of several distinct stages:

• Eggs
• Larvae
• Pupae
• Adults

Eastern Hercules Beetles play a unique role in their ecosystems, making them a fascinating subject for entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Physical Characteristics

Size and Weight

The Eastern Hercules beetle is one of the largest insects in the United States. Males can reach a length of 7 inches, while females are typically smaller. Their weight varies, but they are considered to be among the heaviest insects in the region.

Color and Markings

Eastern Hercules beetles display a range of colors, including:

• Yellowish or greenish-gray
• Brown to black spots
• Rarely reddish-brown

These colors and markings are more prominent on their hard outer covering called the elytra. The elytra protects their delicate hindwings beneath.

Horns and Wings

Males have large horns, usually about 1/3 of their body length, while females lack horns. These horns are used for male-male contests when competing for the best breeding sites. Sometimes, the horns can be even longer than the rest of the body.

Eastern Hercules beetles have two sets of wings:

• Elytra (outer protective covering)
• Hindwings (used for flying)

Although their large size and exoskeleton make flying a challenge, they are capable of flight, thanks to their strong hindwings. Their Y-shaped horn on the head is also a distinctive feature of the Eastern Hercules beetle.

Comparison Table

Habitat and Distribution

The Eastern Hercules Beetle is one of the largest insects in the United States. They are found in diverse habitats such as:

• Deciduous forests
• Mixed woodlands
• Agricultural lands

They are commonly found in the southeastern parts of the US, including Texas. Their distribution also extends southward to Mexico, with the Western Hercules Beetle found in the western regions.

Hercules Beetles are often associated with decaying wood and organic matter. As larva, they feed on decomposing wood, and adults derive their nutrients from tree sap and fruit.

Larvae of the Eastern Hercules Beetle help break down dead wood, making them valuable contributors to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. In contrast, the Western Hercules Beetle has a similar role but is found in different geographical areas.

Here are some key features and characteristics:

• Males have large horns, used for fighting
• Females lack horns
• They can grow up to 7 inches (males) and 2.5 inches (females)
• They are harmless to humans
• Active primarily during the night

When comparing the Eastern and Western Hercules Beetles:

In summary, the Eastern Hercules Beetle is a large and fascinating insect found in the southeastern United States and Mexico. This night-active beetle plays an essential role in breaking down dead wood and contributes to overall forest health.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Eggs and Larvae

• The life cycle of the Eastern Hercules beetle begins with eggs
• The eggs hatch into larvae

The Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus) has a fascinating life cycle. It starts with the female beetle laying eggs in decomposing wood or soil. After a few weeks, these eggs hatch into small, white larvae.

Pupae and Adults

1. Larvae undergo pupation
2. Pupae transform into adult beetles

The larvae feed on decaying wood and organic material, eventually growing into large, robust grubs. Once they reach maximum size, these grubs pupate and transform into adult beetles.

Key Characteristics of Adults:

• Males possess large horns
• Females are typically smaller and lack horns
• Both have variable coloration

Mating Process

Males and females engage in mating rituals:

• Males use their horns to fight for the best breeding sites
• Successful males attract and mate with females

During the mating process, male beetles use their horns to fight for the best breeding sites. The winning males then attract and mate with female beetles, ensuring successful reproduction.

To summarize, from eggs to larvae, pupae and adults, the Eastern Hercules beetle goes through a fascinating life cycle driven by reproduction and mating rituals.

Diet and Feeding Habits

The Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus) has specific dietary needs during different stages of its life. As a larva, also known as a grub, it mostly feeds on:

• Rotting wood
• Dead leaves
• Tree bark

These provide essential nutrients, such as sugars and proteins, needed for growth and development. The grubs break down these materials, returning nutrients back to the soil.

As adults, their diet transitions to soft, sugar-rich sources, like:

• Tree sap
• Fruits
• Leaves

These provide easily digestible nutrients for their energy needs. For example, they may prefer sap from oak or maple trees, or fallen fruits like apples and pears.

Occasionally, adult Hercules beetles will also consume protein sources, such as small insects, when high-energy reserves are needed.

Comparison table of Eastern Hercules beetle’s diet:

Overall, Eastern Hercules beetles play an essential role in breaking down organic materials, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.

Roles in Ecosystem

Predators and Pests

The Eastern Hercules beetle, one of the largest insects in the United States, plays essential roles in the ecosystem. During their larval stage, they feed on decaying wood and bark, helping to break down and recycle nutrients in the ecosystem.

Some predators of Eastern Hercules beetles include:

• Birds
• Small mammals
• Larger insects, such as praying mantis

Conservation Status

Currently, Eastern Hercules beetles are not listed as endangered or threatened. However, habitat loss can negatively impact their populations.

Comparison Table: Eastern Hercules Beetle vs. Goliath Beetle

Key Characteristics of the Eastern Hercules Beetle:

• Males have large horns, used for fighting with other males
• Females lack horns
• Variable coloration
• Harmless to humans and plants

Eastern Hercules Beetle as Pets

Care and Handling

Eastern Hercules beetles are unique pets that require special care. They enjoy burrows and are fantastic climbers, so it’s essential to provide them with a proper habitat. Here’s a quick guide on how to care for your Eastern Hercules beetle as a pet:

• Substrate: Use a mixture of organic compost, decayed leaves, and wood chips to create a comfortable and nutrient-rich substrate for your beetle.
• Climbing: Provide branches, twigs, or bark for your beetle to climb on and explore.
• Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of around 70-80% to keep your beetle healthy and reduce the risk of dehydration.

Captive Breeding

Breeding Eastern Hercules beetles in captivity can be challenging but achievable with proper care and understanding of their life cycle. Here are some key points to consider for breeding these beetles successfully:

1. Pupation: Female beetles will burrow into the substrate to lay eggs. After the eggs hatch, the larvae will continue to pupate within the substrate.
2. Larval Care: Feed the larvae a diet of decaying wood and organic matter to encourage healthy growth and development.

Below is a comparison table highlighting the pros and cons of keeping Eastern Hercules Beetles as pets:

In summary, Eastern Hercules beetles make for captivating and unusual pets, but they require specific care and attentiveness to thrive. Following the guidelines mentioned above will help ensure your beetles remain healthy and content in their habitat.

Goliath Beetle Varieties

Goliath beetles are a group of large beetles native to Africa. They belong to the Goliathus genus and have five different species:

• Goliathus albosignatus
• Goliathus cacicus
• Goliathus goliatus
• Goliathus orientalis
• Goliathus regius

These beetles are known for their impressive size and striking appearance. Some species can grow up to 4 inches in length.

Here’s a quick comparison of the species:

Key features of Goliath beetles:

• Large size, up to 4 inches long
• Impressive body weight, some species weighing up to 100 grams
• Males have distinctive, Y-shaped horns
• Females have wedge-shaped heads

Characteristics of Goliath beetles:

• Strong, armored exoskeleton
• Leaf-shaped wings for flight
• Omnivorous diet including fruits and plant matter
• Larvae consume decaying wood and leaves

There are both pros and cons associated with their impressive size:

Pros:

• Attract attention due to unique appearance
• Act as natural pest control by consuming dead plants and insects

Cons:

• Can cause damage to fruits and plants in agricultural settings
• Larvae require large amounts of decaying wood and leaves, posing challenges for captive breeding

In conclusion, the Goliath beetle varieties are fascinating creatures, unique in size and appearance. However, their large size also presents some challenges, both in nature and for those attempting to breed them in captivity.

Comparison to Other Beetles

The Eastern Hercules beetle is a member of the subfamily Dynastinae, which also includes the well-known Rhinoceros beetle. These beetles are among the largest and heaviest in the United States. Comparing their features, we can observe some key differences:

• Size: Eastern Hercules beetles can be nearly 3 inches long, while the Rhinoceros beetle can grow up to 6 inches long.
• Horns: Male Eastern Hercules beetles possess long horns that can measure up to 1/3 of their body length. Rhinoceros beetles also have horns, but they are comparatively smaller.

Here is a comparison table of some characteristics of Eastern Hercules beetles and Rhinoceros beetles:

Both Eastern Hercules and Rhinoceros beetles have some similar features:

• Strong exoskeletons that provide protection
• Sharp claws for gripping and climbing

The difference in size, particularly the male beetle’s horn length, is a primary distinction between these two beetles. Both the Eastern Hercules beetle and Rhinoceros beetle are unique members of the subfamily Dynastinae, and their fascinating features make them stand out from other beetles.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – Eastern Hercules Beetle in Georgia

My wife came across a dead beetle of some sort. It is light green in color with mottled black spots on the wings. It is about 2″ long and has pincers that open top to bottom, not side to side. I have attached a picture for your review. Thanks for any help you can give us in this identification.
Dave B.
Columbus, Ga

Dear Dave,
I’m sure I answered your wife’s letter, though now can’t seem to find any record of it. She sent three photos of different views. It is a Unicorn Beetle, Dynastes tityus, a member of the scarab family prized by collectors. They are harmless.

Daniel,
Thanks for the quick response! Once you had been able to identify it, I was able
to find additional pictures online. As an aside, my wife hasn’t sent any pictures in…so there are a couple of us who recently came across a beautiful specimen.
Thanks again!
Dave

We at What’s That Bug appologize to Dave and Lori because we confused their photograph with the following photograph which arrived in our offices two days before. They are remarkably similar.

Letter 2 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

On Wednesday, June 9, 2004, I found an eastern Hercules beetle resting on the gas pump near my home in Statesville, NC. I know that he is male because he has the most beautiful set of horns. He was quite docile whenever I found him; he may have been hungry or thirsty, I’m guessing. Anyway, I am keeping him in a ventilated clear box about 10″ by 18″ with a layer of a mixture of compost and mulch. I put a forked stick in there for him to climb on and a tiny, shallow bowl of water which I change every day. He burrows under the compost from time to time. He seems to like peeled apples and he has now become much more active. I’ve noticed that he is eating a bit of a fresh apple slice every day. He tries to rear up on his hind legs whenever I stroke his back. Unbenowance to me, I didn’t know that he is more properly called a Hercules beetle, rather than an eastern rhinoceros beetle. I had already named him Hercules! From what I’ve read, the Japanese rhinocerous beetles are sold as pets and can live to be three years old or so. What is your opinion of my keeping him as a pet? I enjoy watching him, but I certainly don’t want to shorten his lifespan by keeping him captive. If it’s okay to keep him, am I properly caring for him?
My grandchildren love “Nana’s critters”, as they call the numerous dead bumblebees, dragonflies, and other insects I’ve accumulated. This is the first time I’ve tried to keep a live insect. Any advice you can give me will be appreciated.
Diane Patrum

Dear Diane,
We have no experience keeping Hercules beetles alive, but they can be raised easily in captivity. Captive raised specimens are usually much larger than wild beetles. It sounds like you are doing everything correctly, and I see no reason why you shouldn’t keep your beetle as a pet if he is bringing you pleasure. You might want to try a google search with the word captivity as well as Hercules Beetle to find additional information. We would love to have you send in a photo if you are able. Have a nice day.
Daniel

Letter 3 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

My Bug
I recently came across this bug outside my doctor’s building in Branson, MO. Thinking it was a plastic kid’s model like my daughter has collected since she could talk, I did not hesitate to bend over and pick it up. It was some surprise to see that the pinchers on the front were actually fuzzy and thus the realization that it was a REAL bug. A big dead beautiful bug! GROOVY! I have spent my entire life in this area and am familiar with most bugs around, good and nuisance, but this one has almost become an obsession. It is actually 36mm in length and I know it is a male Grant’s Rhinoceros Beetle, I cannot find anywhere near here that this bug would be native to and am anxious to find out all I canabout a new kind of tourist that may be traveling to the area, and how to preserve it for my daughter. Thank you so very much,
Tina High
Branson, MO

Hi Tina,
Since Grant’s Hercules Beetle is native to the American Southwest, we would identify your beetle as the closely related Eastern Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus, a native for Missouri. The beetle will dry naturally, and your only fear should be collection destroying insects like Dermestid Beetles.

Letter 4 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

Giant Man-Eating Beetle: biggest-beetle-ever
Okay, maybe not quite man-eating but this thing was a monster. Found at a gas station in the middle of no-where in Northern Missouri. We’ve been wanting to know forever! Let us know what this thing that haunts our dreams is!
Nate and Candi
St Louis, Missouri

Hi Nate and Candi,
You need not be haunted any longer. This is a male Dynastes tityus, the Eastern Hercules Beetle, and despite his ferocious appearance, he is harmless.

Letter 5 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

Rhinoceros Beetle
Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Daddy’s no bug expert, and in fact is not fond of bugs at all, but when asked by the budding naturalist what kind of bug he had found in a friend’s yard, Daddy thought this was probably a rhinoceros beetle, or something like that. Right or wrong?
Daddy
Gavin (Daddy), Caleb (Budding Naturalist) and Isaac
Memphis, TN

Dear Daddy, Caleb and Isaac,
This is a male Eastern Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus, and it is indeed one of the Rhinoceros Beetles. We haven’t received an image of this species since our site migration in September, and we are guessing this is not a recent photo as sightings generally occur during the summer months.

Oh, good 🙂
Actually, we just took that photo on my iPhone the same day that I sent it to you. Caleb has the beetle in a big box right now, with plants and rocks and dirt from where he found it, and was wondering what to feed it …

Hi again Daddy Gavin,
According to the University of Kentucky Entomology Website: “The feeding habits of the adult beetles are not well-known, but they have been observed to eat rotten fruit and the bark of ash trees. ” According to BugGuide: “Adults feed on rotting fruit, sap, to some extent.” Tell Caleb to try feeding him over-ripe bananas.

Excellent! That’s what we will do. We have him in a terrarium now, and he seems to be enjoying his habitat, and is very active right now.
Gavin Anderson

Urge to Release: Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hi again Gavin,
Several of our readers have posted comments urging Caleb to release this noble male Eastern Hercules Beetle, and we are inclined to agree.  Caleb has now had several days to observe the specimen and now if released, he may be lucky enough to find a mate and perpetuate the species.

Letter 6 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

What’s the name of the beetle in my photo
July 14, 2009
I’ve had this bug body for years but dont know it’s name
beetle bailey
kentucky

Dear Beetle Bailey,
This is an Eastern Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus.

Daniel, your site is new to me, and it’s really a great site.
Just wanted to say that I didn’t murder this beetle.  I found it’s body on my deck one morning, and was facinated by it and kept it.  That was twenty years ago, and I still have it.  I have never seen another since.  Hope it died of natural causes.  There were no visible injuries, and I don’t have pesticides around.
Thanks for identifying it.

Letter 7 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

Kentucky beetle
July 21, 2009
Having just moved to central Kentucky, we were taking our son to register him at his new school, and right by the front door welcoming the newcomers was this beetle. We asked the locals, but nobody seemed to know what it was. Can you tell us? (My son, BTW, felt much better about the new school after discovering such a cool bug there.)
Curious mother
Richmond, Kentucky

Dear Curious Mother,
Your beetle is an Eastern Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus.  It is a male beetle, as evidenced by the horns.  Females do not have horns.

Letter 8 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

(Believed) female Eastern Hercules Beetle, second photo turned out very good
July 26, 2009
Hi,
I believe this is a female Eastern Hercules Beetle, but I’m not totally sure. It was found on the side of my house in the evening. I live in middle Tennessee. I know you have posted some of these already, but I think the second picture turned out really well.
Matthew Martin
Springfield, TN

Hi Matthew,
You are correct.  This is a female Eastern Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus.  The close-up is an interesting angle.

Letter 9 – Eastern Hercules Beetle

Eastern Hurcules beetle
June 2, 2010
Eastern Hurcules beetle
I found this huge beetle in the parking lot. Location, Buford, GA. Released it to the woods.
Nobody
Buford, GA

Dear Nobody,
Anyone who would rescue a Hercules Beetle from a parking lot where it was sure to be run over or stepped on is surely a somebody in our book.

Letter 10 – Eastern Hercules Beetle: Available to Collectors!!!

Holy Crap!!!
Ok- so tonight I’m at my 11 year old daughters cheerleading practice in Morganton, NC. My 6 year old son is sitting beside me in the grass happily mouthing the cheers along with the girls. All of a sudden he jumps up (I thought he was cheering) and moves to the other side of me and just points down at the grass. I look down to see this huge scary looking bug. I mean it has big ol’ horns coming out of its head. I thought surely it wasn’t real. I dared my husband to pick it up. After I balk balked like a chicken he got a stick and poked it. It didn’t move so he poked it with his finger (and jerked his hand back REAL fast). Still didn’t move so he picked it up. It was dead and little ants were eating it. I have NEVER seen anything around here even close to this. As soon as I came home I got on the internet. I couldn’t find it til I came across your site. It’s a Hercules Beetle. I know you already have pictures of one but I think mine are a little more detailed. And I just gotta show this to someone! So attached are pictures feel free to use them. Thanks for the info on your site!!
Leslie Jackson
P.S. What should I do with it? I’m not a collector. Would someone else be interested or are they easy to come by? I hate to just throw it away.

Hi Leslie,
Your letter is quite humorous. We do not want to act as in intermediary between you and prospective collectors, but we are certain there are many people out there who would love to get your Eastern Hercules Beetle. We are not inclined to post your email address without your permission, so if you grant it, we will place your email address with this posting.

Letter 11 – Eastern Hercules Beetle Pupa, we believe

Large Beetle
November 14, 2009
This beetle was found by my wife’s student in a cluster with 20 or so others inside an oak tree that fell during Hurricane Ike. It’s very large, roughly the length of an adult thumb, but with much more girth.

It was so interesting that the police and rescue workers who were working the area took some of them as well, as no one had ever seen anything like them before.
These are the best pictures of the group my wife snapped.. Any idea?
Thanks alot!
Scott Hildenbrand
South Eastern Kentucky

Hi Scott,
Based on the size, we believe you have found a veritable treasure trove of Eastern Hercules Beetle pupae, Dynastes tityus.  We hope you will allow them to mature and procreate.  This is probably North America’s heaviest beetle.  We will consult with Eric Eaton to see if he agrees with our identification.