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Dynastinae

Scientific classification
Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Arthropoda

Class:

Insecta

Order:

Coleoptera

Suborder:

Polyphaga

Infraorder:

Scarabaeiformia

Superfamily:

Scarabaeoidea

Family:

Scarabaeidae

Subfamily:

Dynastinae
MacLeay, 1819

Tribes
6-8, see text
Dynastinae or rhinoceros beetles are a subfamily of the scarab beetle
family (Scarabaeidae). Other common names some for particular groups
of rhinoceros beetles are for example Hercules beetles, unicorn
beetles or horn beetles. Over 300 species of rhinoceros beetles are
known.
Many rhinoceros beetles are well known for their unique shapes and large
sizes. Some famous species are, for example, the Atlas beetle

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(Chalcosoma atlas), common rhinoceros beetle (Xylotrupes ulysses),

elephant beetle (Megasoma elephas), European rhinoceros beetle
(Oryctes nasicornis), Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules), Japanese
rhinoceros beetle or kabutomushi (Allomyrina dichotoma), ox beetle
(Strategus aloeus) and the unicorn beetle (Dynastes tityus).
Contents
1 Description and ecology
2 Use by humans
3 Tribes, with selected genera and species
4 Notes
5 Further reading
6 External links
Description and ecology[edit]

Aegopsis curvicornis[verification needed] (Agaocephalini) three stages from larva

to adult:
Larva (back), pupa (center), imago (front)
The Dynastinae 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. [1] 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 head and another horn
pointing forward from the center of the 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. [2]
The body of an adult rhinoceros beetle is covered by a thick exoskeleton. A
pair of thick wings lie 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.

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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 (see picture at left). 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.
Use by humans[edit]
Rhinoceros beetles are popular as pets in parts of Asia,[3] in part due to
their being clean, easy to maintain and safe to handle. Also in Asia, male
beetles are used for gambling fights.[4] Since males naturally have the
tendency to fight each other for the attention of females, they are the
ones used for battle. To get the two male beetles to lock in combat, a
female beetle or a small noisemaker is used to duplicate the female's
mating call.
Entomologist Sverin Tchibozo suggests the larvae contain much more
protein (40%), than chicken (20%) and beef (approximately 18%) and they
could become a protein source for a large [human] population.[5]

Tribes, with selected genera and

species[edit]
Some species can become major pests, e.g., in tree plantations. Usually
though, beetle population densities are not as high as in some other pest
insects, and food trees which are typically already sick or dying from some
other cause are preferred. Some species' larvae, however, will attack
healthy trees or even root vegetables, and when they occur in large
numbers, can cause economically significant damage. The fungus
Metarhizium anisopliae is a proven biocontrol agEupatorus gracilicornis
(Dynastini)

Asiatic rhinoceros beetle

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Scientific classification

Kingdom:

Animalia

Phylum:

Arthropoda

Class:

Insecta

Order:

Coleoptera

Family:

Scarabaeidae

Subfamily:

Dynastinae

Genus:

Oryctes

Species:

O. rhinoceros

Binomial name

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(Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms

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Oryctes rhinoceros

[1]

Scarabaeus rhinoceros Linnaeus, 1758

The Asiatic rhinoceros beetle or coconut rhinoceros beetle,[2][3]
Oryctes rhinoceros, is a species of rhinoceros beetle belonging to the
Scarabaeidae family. O. rhinoceros attacks the developing fronds of
coconut, oil, and other palms in tropical Asia and a number of Pacific
islands. Damaged fronds show typical triangular cuts. The beetle kills the
palms (particularly newly planted ones) when the growing point is
destroyed during feeding. The larvae do not damage crops, but instead
grow in dead, decaying trunks and other organic matter. [4][5]

Rhinoceros beetles are herbivorous insects named for the

horn-like projections on and around the heads of males.
Most are black, gray, or greenish in color, and some are
covered in soft hairs. Another name given to some of
these insects is Hercules beetle, because they possess
strength of a herculean proportion. Adults of some
species can lift objects 850 times their weight! That
would be equivalent to a human lifting 9 fully grown male
elephants! One of the uses for extreme strength is for
the beetles to dig themselves into leaf litter and soil to
escape danger. Their horns also help them to do this.
Size: Rhinoceros beetles can grow up to 6 inches,
making them some of the largest beetles around.
Diet: All rhinoceros beetles are herbivorous. The adults
feed on fruit, nectar, and sap. The larvae eat decaying
plant matter.
Typical Lifespan: Longevity varies among species, but a
typical lifespan is one to two years. Much of this may be
spent in the larval stage.
Habitat: Leaf litter, plants, and fallen logs provide a safe
hideout for rhinoceros beetles during the day.
Range: Rhinoceros beetles are found on every continent
except Antarctica. In the U.S., they live in the south from

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Arizona northeast to Nebraska and eastward.

Life History and Reproduction: The horns of the male
rhinoceros beetle are used to drive other males away
from a female beetle during mating rituals. Females lay
about 50 eggs which hatch into larvae. After several
molts, they eventually reach adult size and form.
Fun Fact: When disturbed, rhinoceros beetles can
produce hissing squeaks. These arent actually vocal
noises. Instead, theyre produced when the beetle rubs
their abdomen and wing covers together.
Conservation Status: Probably varies among species.
Rhinoceros beetles are collected as pets, and in some
Asian countries, gamblers place bets on which of two
male beetles will knock the other off a log. Their horns
arent used for protection and theyre harmless to
humans.
Rhinoceros beetles are herbivorous insects named for the
horn-like projections on and around the heads of males.
Most are black, gray, or greenish in color, and some are
covered in soft hairs. Another name given to some of
these insects is Hercules beetle, because they possess
strength of a herculean proportion. Adults of some
species can lift objects 850 times their weight! That
would be equivalent to a human lifting 9 fully grown male
elephants! One of the uses for extreme strength is for
the beetles to dig themselves into leaf litter and soil to
escape danger. Their horns also help them to do this.

Rhinoceros Beetle Facts

Most people would expect information on
strongest animal facts to include big,
tough animals, not insects. However,
pound for pound, the Rhinoceros Beetle is
one of the strongest animals in the world,

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and here's why. Where an adult elephant

can lift about 25 times its weight, the
rhino beetle can lift 850 times its body
weight. That is more than any other
animal recorded. They are also a popular
pet for kids, especially boys in Asia. They
can easily spend $350 U.S. dollars on a
rhino beetle that is expected to live only
about a year. Among the interesting
Rhinoceros Beetle facts in the list below,
you will read facts about their habitat,
appearance, and what their diet is.
Rhinoceros Beetle Descriptive Facts

The Hercules Beetle can reach 6

inches (15 cm) in length, which makes
them the largest species of the Rhino
Beetle, the largest beetles in the
world.
The male Rhino Beetles have
signature horns on the top of their
head, very similar to a rhinoceros,
which can be two-thirds their total
body size. They are used for dual
purposes including digging
underground and fighting other males

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for the right to mate.

Rhinoceros beetles protect
themselves from predators and other
rhino beetles with a very tough
exoskeleton, which is shiny and
ranges in color from light brown to
black.
Rhinoceros Beetles have two sets of
wings and are able to fly. The outer
set of wings protects the real working
wings underneath. Because of the
horns lightweight and hollow
characteristics, it does not interfere
with the beetles ability to fly.
Rhinoceros Beetle General Facts

Rhinoceros Beetles are part of the

Scarab Beetle family and are totally
harmless to humans. They do not bite,
sting, or carry any type of poisonous
venom.
The main predators for Rhinoceros
Beetles are birds and snakes. Because
they are nocturnal they are often able
to avoid many other forms of would

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be enemies by hiding under

vegetation and other forest matter.
The Rhinoceros Beetle's diet consists
mainly of rotting fruits, tree sap, and
wood from decaying trees.
Many species of Rhinoceros Beetles
originated in the rainforest and forest
regions of central and southern
America. The United States is also
home to some of the species of this
beetle.
When Rhinoceros Beetles take flight, it
is usually because they are flying to a
light source, which they are very
attracted to.
Stridulating, a loud squeaking noise
given off by the beetle, is made by
rubbing it's body parts together. This
occurs when a male is looking to mate
but also as a territorial sound or
warning sign.
The female Rhino Beetle can lay
upwards of 50 eggs at a time that
hatch into larvae after about 3 weeks.

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During the larvae period, which will

last 3-5 years, the Rhino larvae will
consume hefty amounts of food so
that when finally mature, the amount
of food needed to survive will
decrease.
The Rhinoceros Beetle and its larvae
feed off of the forests dead and
rotting trees, helping to bring down
the sick and dying trees and making
way for new, healthy ones. The
deforestation that is currently taking
place in rainforests is contributing to
the beetle's population decline.

425 41

Scientific Name: Subfamily Dynastinae

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Description: Rhinoceros beetles are herbivorous insects

named for the horn-like projections on and around the heads
of males. Most are black, gray, or greenish in color, and some

2.
Lifecycle of the Rhinoceros
Beetle
are covered in soft hairs. Another name given

Fig.2 - Oryctes rhinoceros egg @ IFPRI

The lifecycle of the rhinoceros beetles began as the

females burrows and lay their eggs, usually around 50100 eggs during her lifetime. This is done inside moist,
decomposing vegetation such as rotting palm tree
bark, compost piles or dead palm fronds.* This is a
typical condition usually found in a recently cleared
jungle or replanting area.
The egg of the rhinoceros beetles is ovoid in shapes
and about 3-4 mm in sizes. It will take about 8 - 12
days before it hatches.

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Fig.3 - Oryctes rhinoceros larvae @ IFPRI

Larvae will then feed and continue to grow for the next
82 207 days. The larvae will soon enter a prepupal
stage for another 8-13 more days.

Fig.4 - Oryctes rhinoceros pupae@ IFPRI

In this stage, the larvae will not feed and remained in

a pupae made in the decomposed wood or soil. It will
remain in pupal stage for 17-28 more days. *

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Fig.5 & 6 - Adult Oryctes rhinoceros @ IFPRI

Adult rhinoceros beetle will stay in the pupal cell for

another 17-22 days then emerges and fly to palm
crowns to feed, mostly at night. This is the stage
where the beetle is highly damaging to oil palm and
coconut. From there, the adult will continue to live for
4-9 months and mating with other beetles in the
breeding sites, usually in heaps of composts or organic
materials.

to some of these insects is Hercules beetle, because they

possess strength of a herculean proportion. Adults of
some species can lift objects 850 times their weight! That
would be equivalent to a human lifting 9 fully grown male
elephants! One of the uses for extreme strength is for
the beetles to dig themselves into leaf litter and soil to
escape danger. Their horns also help them to do this.
Size: Rhinoceros beetles can grow up to 6 inches,
making them some of the largest beetles around.

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Diet: All rhinoceros beetles are herbivorous. The adults

feed on fruit, nectar, and sap. The larvae eat decaying
plant matter.
Typical Lifespan: Longevity varies among species, but a
typical lifespan is one to two years. Much of this may be
spent in the larval stage.
Habitat: Leaf litter, plants, and fallen logs provide a safe
hideout for rhinoceros beetles during the day.
Range: Rhinoceros beetles are found on every continent
except Antarctica. In the U.S., they live in the south from
Arizona northeast to Nebraska and eastward.
Life History and Reproduction: The horns of the male
rhinoceros beetle are used to drive other males away
from a female beetle during mating rituals. Females lay
about 50 eggs which hatch into larvae. After several
molts, they eventually reach adult size and form.
Fun Fact: When disturbed, rhinoceros beetles can
produce hissing squeaks. These arent actually vocal
noises. Instead, theyre produced when the beetle rubs
their abdomen and wing covers together.
Conservation Status: Probably varies among species.
Rhinoceros beetles are collected as pets, and in some
Asian countries, gamblers place bets on which of two
male beetles will knock the other off a log. Their horns
arent used for protection and theyre harmless to
humans.

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My dream, when moving to Japan, was to keep a

Japanese rhinoceros beetle, known here
as kabutomushi (which means, helmet bug).
Unfortunately, I couldnt find many resources in
English on how to take care of rhino beetles, so, for
at least my own benefit, heres some information
about rhinoceros beetle care that Ive gleaned from
Japanese websites.
I hope this is helpful to everyone who is looking for
information about keeping a rhinoceros beetle pet.

Rhinoceros Beetle Care

Rhinoceros Beetle Materials

Breeding case (Japanese: shiiku case) just a normal

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animal aquarium, like whats used for hermit crabs;

usually plastic and cube-shaped. Be sure it is a type that
will keep the air inside reasonably humid.

Bug bedding (konchuu matto) if not planning to

breed beetles, many types are okay. For ease, storebought beetle-specific bedding is recommended.

Decaying branches, food dishes (kuchiki; esasara)

also sold at stores, although branches from outside are
okay too; the branches give the beetles places to hide
and the food dishes keep the beetle jelly from spilling
onto the bedding.

Food (esa) 100 yen shops and home and garden

stores sell special beetle jelly (konchuu zerii), in
appetizing flavors such as black sugar, protein, and
fruit (yum!). Apparently, bananas are also good for
rhinoceros beetles. Even though its traditional beetle
food in Japan, avoid watermelons and other water-heavy
fruits.

Beetle humidifier (kirifuki) rhinoceros beetles are

very susceptible to drying out, so this spray, or,
alternatively a sort of water bottle, helps keep their
bedding moist. Also, keeping leaves, which can be store
bought, in the case helps keep the soil moist.

Rhinoceros Beetle Care

1. In Japan, rhinoceros beetles, as well as several other
similar beetles, can be bought at home and garden
centers, or, in my case, at a ToysRUs. Typically, its much
easier to find them in stores in summer. The normal price
is from 300yen to 2000yen. Ive been told kids really enjoy

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catching wild beetles, but Ive also heard the wild beetle
population has been dwindling because of loss of habitat.
2. Fill the case 1/3 of the way with bedding that has
been moistened with the humidifying liquid or plain
water. Make sure the bedding is moistened to the point
that it doesnt crumble apart in your hands when you pick
it up, but isnt soaked. Beetles like to burrow during the day
in this moist bedding. There isnt much information on the
web about changing the matting, but the bag
recommends switching all of the matting out about
once a month.
3. Then put in the branches and the food. To make sure
that the jelly doesnt make the bedding dirty, you can place
it in a food plate. Be sure to change the food every day,
preferably in the evening, to make sure this nocturnal
beetle has fresh food as he is waking up. Water for
drinking is unnecessary, as the jelly and fruits provide
enough, but be sure to keep his/her soil moist which
leads to the next point.
4. Beetles are quite susceptible to dehydration. In nature,
they hide under leaves and in dark places. Therefore, keep
their case out of the sunlight! To keep the bedding
hydrated, you can buy a special hydrating bottle (available
at 100 yen shops, home and garden centers, etc.) and just
stick it in the bedding as shown on the bottle. If you want
to re-moisten the soil and/or arent using a humidifier, be
sure to dampen various places, but not pour water directly
on the beetle. Also, to keep the case hydrated, one website
advises putting vinyl over the case and poking holes in the
vinyl to let some air in. Leaves in the case also help keep
the soil from drying out.

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5. It isnt advised to keep more than one beetle

together, as fights or babies might break out. Also, too
much humidity or leaving food for too long is inviting
unwanted bugs and mites.
6. This is quite important, and a lesson learned through
experience: Rhinoceros beetles naturally have a small
number of mites on them. For this reason, many people
keep the beetles outside. If you keep the beetle inside,
make sure to take measures to prevent these mites from
multiplying. One method is a charcoal mixture put into
with the matting. This and other dani (the Japanese term
for mites) prevention products are sold near other kabuto
mushi products. Some brave souls go as far as to pick the
mites off the beetle gently with a toothpick. Its debated
whether or not the mites will hurt the beetle, but they are
yucky none-the-less and some may bite humans.
7. Last step: enjoy your new friend!

Rhinoceros Beetle Tips

Rhinoceros beetles dont sting or bite! Also, they

wont stab you with their horn. That being said, they are
very strong and their legs are quite prickly.
Rhinoceros beetles CAN fly!

Keeping in mind that they can fly, but that they are
pretty much harmless (unless their prickly legs deter
you), rhinoceros beetles can be picked up. Since they are
rather shy, though, its best not to do this too much, as it
will stress them out.

These beetles dont make much noise, except for the

sounds of scurrying and an unexpectedly loud buzzing

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sound when they flap their wings.

I didnt find much on beetle life-spans, but many
places seem to indicate a life-span of less than a
year, including the pre-beetle stage.

In addition to the basic matting, beetles also like

leaves, logs, etc., all of which can be bought at the store.

Breeding beetles requires a little bit different care and

is more involved, so this information is only to be
taken as how to keep a healthy celibate beetle.

Rhinoceros beetles are also called Hercules

beetles because they are really strong! In Japanese, they
are called, kabuto mushi. Kabuto means helmet,
usually referring to the samurai armor helmet. Mushi
means bug

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