Rhinoceros Beetle: All You Need to Know in a Nutshell

The Rhinoceros Beetle, a fascinating insect with distinct features, has captured the curiosity of many. These robust beetles fall under the subfamily Dynastinae, typically boasting large rounded bodies and often, striking horns on their heads, which gives them their name [1]. Species like the eastern hercules beetle can reach impressive lengths of up to 7 inches, with males sporting horns as large as one-third of their body length [2].

Found throughout various tropical regions around the world, Rhinoceros Beetles have a significant impact on their environment. The coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, is known to cause damage to economically important wild and plantation palms [3]. Some notable features of these beetles include:

• Stout bodies, often reaching lengths of 1.2-2.4 inches
• Horns projecting from the head in both males and females
• Larval grubs are sluggish, white, and ‘C’ shaped [4].

Rhinoceros Beetle Overview

Characteristics

• Size: Rhinoceros beetles are one of the largest insects, with males reaching a length of 7 inches.
• Horns: Males have large horns about 1/3 of their body length, used for competing in mating battles.
• Color: Both sexes are usually reddish-brown and generally 1-1⅛ inches long.

Distribution and Habitat

Worldwide: Rhinoceros beetles can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

United States: The species Xyloryctes jamaicensis is found from Connecticut to Arizona.

Japan: Rhinoceros beetles are popular pets in Japan, known for their large size and unique appearance.

Comparison Table:

Life Cycle and Development

Eggs and Larvae

The Rhinoceros Beetle life cycle begins with the female laying eggs in decaying organic matter or composting material. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge and start feeding on this nutrient-rich material.

• Larval stage: L1, L2, L3
• Molts during larval stage: 3

The larvae go through three instar phases (L1, L2, L3), each separated by a molt, where they shed their exoskeleton and grow larger. The growth and development of larvae depend on factors such as temperature, humidity, and food availability.

Pupa Stage

After completing the larval stage, the developing beetles enter the pupa stage where they undergo a complete metamorphosis:

• No feeding during pupa stage
• Transforms into adult

During this phase, the beetle does not feed. Instead, it transforms from a larva into an adult with features like wings, strong legs, and horns.

Adult Stage

Once the transformation is complete, the adult Rhinoceros Beetle emerges from the pupal case:

• Males: developed horns for fighting
• Females: lay eggs to start the next generation

Adult males have large horns, used for fighting other males and competing for mating opportunities. Meanwhile, adult females lay eggs, starting the cycle anew.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Rhinoceros beetles are known for their unique diet preferences. They feed on a variety of plant-based materials, which can be different for adults and larvae.

Adult rhinoceros beetles prefer:

• Tree sap: A sweet, sticky substance found in trees
• Nectar: Sweet liquid produced by flowers to attract pollinators
• Fruits: Soft and sweet, like bananas and apples
• Decaying plant matter: Such as decaying leaves and rotting wood

Larval rhinoceros beetles have slightly different tastes, preferring:

• Decaying wood: A primary food source for growing larvae
• Rotting leaves: Rich in nutrients for developing larvae
• Vegetables: Occasionally nibbled on by larvae, but not a main food source

Here’s a comparison table between adult and larval diets:

Understanding the diet and feeding habits of the rhinoceros beetle helps maintain a suitable environment for these fascinating insects.

Behavior and Interaction

Strength and Abilities

Rhinoceros beetles, particularly the Hercules beetle, are known for their incredible strength. Males possess:

• Large horns
• Robust body
• Powerful mandibles

These physical features make them one of the strongest insects. For example, other similar beetles in the Scarab family, such as the Atlas beetle and the Elephant beetle, also have remarkable abilities:

Mating Rituals

Male rhinoceros beetles use their horns and strength in mating rituals. These rituals involve:

• Fighting other males
• Establishing dominance
• Competing for females

During these fights, they use their horns and mandibles to engage in aggressive yet fascinating displays targeting the males’ head.

Types and Species

The Rhinoceros Beetle is a fascinating insect belonging to the Scarab Beetle family. There are many species, but let’s focus on a few notable ones: the Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus), the Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules), and the Western Hercules Beetle (Dynastes granti).

Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus):

• Large, up to 7 inches in length
• Males have big horns, 1/3 of body length, used for fighting
• Found in United States

Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules):

• Gray or black, males have longer horns than females
• Regarded as the largest species

Western Hercules Beetle (Dynastes granti):

• Similar to Eastern Hercules Beetle, but found in the western parts of North America
• Males also possess large horns for fighting

These beetles have different colors, ranging from black to gray. One might compare them to stag beetles, another type of Scarab Beetle.

Comparison of Eastern Hercules Beetle, Hercules Beetle, and Western Hercules Beetle

In conclusion, Rhinoceros Beetles are a diverse group of insects with several fascinating species. Their size, horns, and colors make them an interesting subject for further study.

Potential Pests and Predators

The Rhinoceros Beetle is known to have several potential pests and predators. In this section, we’ll explore these threats and their interactions with the beetles.

• Pests: The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) is a pest species that occurs throughout many tropical regions. It causes extensive damage to economically important wild and plantation palms.

Predators:

• Ants: Some species of ants prey on Rhinoceros Beetle larvae, attacking them when they are vulnerable in their grub stage.
• Birds: Various bird species often feed on Rhinoceros Beetle’s larvae and adult beetles, taking advantage of their size and nutritional value.
• Mammals: Certain mammals, such as raccoons, are also known to consume Rhinoceros Beetles when they find them.

Comparison table:

In conclusion, Rhinoceros Beetles face a variety of natural enemies which are responsible for keeping their population in check. By understanding their potential pests and predators, we gain a better understanding of the role these beetles play in their ecosystem.

Rhinoceros Beetles as Pets

Housing and Environment

• Enclosure: A large, well-ventilated container, such as a glass terrarium or plastic storage bin with a secure lid.
  • Minimum dimensions: 12 x 12 x 12 inches
• Substrate: A mix of organic top soil and coconut coir.
  • Depth: 4-6 inches for burrowing
• Entrance: A small opening or a piece of wood to allow beetles to climb in and out.
• Humidity: 60-80%
• Temperature: 75-85°F

Examples of suitable enclosures:

• 30-gallon glass terrarium
• 50-gallon plastic storage bin

Pet Care and Feeding

• Beetle Jelly: Staple food, available at pet stores or online.
  • Pros: High in sugar, water, and nutrients
  • Cons: Beetles may not eat every flavor
• Flowers: Supplemental food source, such as roses, dandelions, or hibiscus.

Feeding frequency:

• Offer beetle jelly twice a week
• Flowers can be given once a week

Comparison between beetle jelly and flowers:

Interactions with Ecosystem

Rhinoceros beetles, like the eastern hercules beetle and the coconut rhinoceros beetle, play important roles in their ecosystems. These insects help recycle organic matter by consuming decaying tree trunks, leaves, and other plant materials. Female rhinoceros beetles lay their eggs in these decomposing plant materials, providing food and shelter for their larvae.

In gardens and backyards, rhino beetles can be seen as both beneficial and destructive. On one hand, they contribute to the decomposition process, breaking down organic matter, and creating space and nutrients for new plant growth. On the other hand, some rhinoceros beetle species, like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, can cause damage to palm trees.

Comparison of Hercules Beetles and Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles:

These beetles coexist with various animals in their ecosystem. Birds, mammals, and other insects may prey on them. However, their tough exoskeleton, or elytra, offers protection against predators. Aphids, which are considered pests in a garden setting, might also be found living alongside rhinoceros beetles.

Rhinoceros beetles are a rich source of protein for many animals. Their presence enhances overall diversity in the ecosystem and contributes to the natural balance. They serve as important natural decomposers, recycling nutrients and helping to maintain healthy plant growth.

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 – Female Hercules Beetle from Panama

giant beetle
Thu, May 21, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Dear Bugman,
We live in the Republic of Panama, prime insect territory. My husband was swimming laps in the pool this morning and he found this insect floating in the pool. He brought it home to show the kids. We thought he was dead. We put him on the front porch so the ants could eat his insides and we could have a clean specimen to keep. When I returned from taking the kids to school, he was gone. I found him in a ficus tree. Is he a goliath beetle? What would he eat? What is a good site on the internet to help identify Central American insects?
He is 4 inches long not including his legs. The picture shows his width in inches.
Buggy in Panama
Republic of Panama

Dear Buggy in Panama,
Your beetle is not a he.  this is a female Hercules Beetle, Dynastes hercules, one of the largest beetles in the world.  The male is a much larger beetle, and he has two impressive horns.  The Natural Worlds website has information and some nice images.

Letter 2 – Female Hercules: Emerging or Victim???

the park people had never seen this bug
Is it a bug? Maybe it’s a beetle. I wish I had put something next to it to help size it. It’s yellow and black back was larger than a quarter. It seemed to have a claw on its back near its head. One part of the “claw” was stationery and attached to its back and I think the other part that moved was on its head. It was large enough to surprise me on a path in Northern Virginia. I look forward to your feedback when you get the chance.
Angela

Hi Angela,
We believe this to be a female Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus, digging in the dirt, perhaps after metamorphosis. Grubs feed on rotting wood and the wood might have been buried. Or perhaps, she just fell victim to some predator that ate the abdomen and just left a decapitated head and two front legs. Nonetheless, the photo is very disturbing.

Update (06/25/2007)
Here is what Eric Eaton wrote in: “female Hercules beetle is most likely emerging, not digging, though the image looks suspicious to me. Looks like she has been decapitated behind the thoracic segments. The party photographing the beetle might have killed her, or a raven or owl or some other predator. These beetles are clumsy, but full of nutrious fat and protein, so many vertebrates prey on them. Eric”

Letter 3 – Female Herculese Beetle

Bug Identification
I found this bug on our screen door. It is really more of a light pea green instead of yellow as the picture suggests. Help with the identification would be very much appreciated.
Brian Berfield

Hi Brian,
If you think your female Herculese Beetle, Dynastes tityus if big, you should see her mate. And, he has a massive horn to boot.

Letter 4 – Female Rhinoceros Beetle

My Kids Captured a Beetle
May 14, 2010
My kids watched this little guy cross the street for about 20 minutes. Then we caught it and took a picture, and I can’t quite figure out what it is. Dung Beetle? Rain Beetle? Scavenger Beetle? Hope you can help us!
Jill, Asher & Jacob
Chapel Hill, NC

Hi Jill, Asher and Jacob,
This sure looks like a female Rhinoceros Beetle, Xyloryctes jamaicensis, to us, but though your location is firmly in the range, your sighting is quite early, but at least a month.  We know that spring came early this year, and this May sighting may be connected to the unusually warm spring.  BugGuide has some photos for comparison.  Because we often harbor a bit of doubt with our identifications, we will confirm this with Eric Eaton.

Eric Eaton Agrees
Daniel:
Pretty certain you are correct on this one, but you might still consult someone like Art Evans.  I haven’t spent any time on the Atlantic seaboard myself….
Eric

Letter 5 – Female Rhinoceros Beetle from Australia

rhino or coleoptera type beetle.
November 2, 2009
found in october, flying around the light, middle of the Daintree rainforest. as you can see he/she was quite big.
emmitted a squeaking sound when provoked and sounded like a mini helicopter while flying haha.
i’ve named it george. and i’m of to the pub, it seems quite happy on my shoulder for now.
Matt
cape tribulation australia QLD

Hi Matt,
We would recommend changing George’s name to Georgina since we believe she is a female Rhinoceros Beetle, Xylotrupes gideon.  You can view a pair on the Natural Worlds website.  This common Southeast Asian species is also found in Northern Australia.

Letter 6 – Fork Horned Rhinoceros Beetle

Subject: Rhino Beetle
Location: Backyard, Krugersdorp, Gauteng, South Africa
December 17, 2016 6:57 am
I rescued this beetle from the swimming pool. Then we had a macro photo sesh while his wings dried. I placed him on a Marigold for visual contrast. Every time he tried to fly he crashed into an adjacent flower. Then he climbed down the plant and burrowed into the potting soil. What kind of Rhino beetle is he/she?
Signature: Stacey, www.TheArtistAnastasia.com

Dear Stacey,
Upon doing some research, we strongly suspect, thanks to images on iSpot, that this is a Fork Horned Rhinoceros Beetle, Cyphonistes vallatus.  The species is also pictured on Encyclopedia of Life.

Letter 7 – Grant’s Hercules Beetle

Beetle takes on Hot Wheels car!
We were vacationing in Ruidoso, NM when I came across this lovely fellow being poked and abused by local children in the parking lot of the grocery store. I shooed away the little hoodlums and snatched him up in a grocery bag and brought him home to show to my son. Needless to say, the ENTIRE family was seriously impressed by the sheer size of this bug! We observed him for a couple of days and released him into the woods. I am thinking he is either a rhino beetle or a Hercules beetle, maybe unicorn? We named him “Rodan” as he seemed big enough to take on Godzilla! What a cool bug! Thanks
Trina

Hi Trina,
This is a Grant’s Hercules Beetle, Dynastes granti. We find your photo with the HotWheels car terribly amusing.

Letter 8 – Grant's Hercules Beetle

Grant’s Rhinoceros Beetle, Scorpions, and Spiders!
Hello Lisa Anne and Daniel,
I just found your website and absolutely love it! I’ve always been fascinated with insects and spiders, but paleontology was my number one passion so I went that route instead of entomology. I many conduct my research on dinosaur tracks and fossil fish, but I have found, and plan to eventually describe some of the fossil arthropods I’ve discovered both in Canada and US someday. I even worked five seasons at the famous Middle Cambrian (~520 million years old) Burgess Shale in British Columbia for the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Anyway, my 8 year old son, Burgess (you guessed it, he’s named after the Burgess Shale) found a fantastic Grant’s Rhinoceros Beetle that I just got around to identifying online this evening (see attached photo by my wife, Lynn White). I’m sure it is Dynastes granti and Burgess found it in a Black Widow Spider web here in Cedar City, Utah late last month. After this email I have three spider photos and a scorpion picture you might want to use on your website. Also, would like more accurate identifications on them if possible. Anyway, back to paleontology! More emails to follow shortly. Regards,
Andrew R. C. Milner
City Paleontologist and Curator
St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
St. George, Utah

Hi Andrew,
Thanks for sending us your photos of the Grant’s Hercules Beetle, Dynastes granti. We get images of its eastern relative, Dynastes tityus, far more often.

Letter 9 – Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle: male and female

Pics from Az
Found in Payson Arizona late August.
Thanks Danny

Hi Danny,
Though we have received many photos of the Eastern Hercules Beetle, this is our first of the Western Hercules Beetle or Grant’s Rhinoceros Beetle, Dynastes grantii. The Western Hercules Beetle has a much larger horn on the male, nicely illustrated in your photo. We are also including the image of the female beetle you sent later.