Subject: What kind of Beetle is this?
Geographic location of the bug: Creswell, MC
Date: 07/30/2018
Time: 03:35 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Can you tell me what this is and if I have anything to worry about? Rather large and we have had alot of rain this week. Any info would be appreciated.
How you want your letter signed: Michelle
Dear Michelle,
We are speculating that you are in Creswell, North Carolina, and if that is wrong, please clarify where MC is located. This is a Triceratops Beetle, Phileurus truncatus, and it poses no threat to you or your home. According to BugGuide: “Adults will take fruit and meat in captivity; may feed on other insects” and “Adults come to lights. Larvae in rotten logs, esp. oaks. Adults can live up to two years in captivity. Have structures for sound production (stridulation) and stridulate softly when handled (P. Coin, 11.vii.2007). Larvae and adults are also ‘carnivorous’ and will – if not preferentially – feed on grubs & pupae of other scarabs.”
What does triceratops beetle eat? I heard its diet is carnivorous but I think it is highly unlikely because most rhino beetles are herbivorous.
According to BugGuide: “Adults will take fruit and meat in captivity; may feed on other insects.”