![]() The larvae live underground for 1 – 2 years, and then spend 2 – 3 weeks as pupae. The female Hercules beetle lays about 100 eggs directly into the ground, where they take about 1 month to develop into larvae. Most insects have three stages in their development which, overall, is called “metamorphosis.” Eggs turn into larvae, these larvae turn into pupae, and these pupae develop into adult insects. If surprised, they sometimes emit a loud “hiss.” This noise is actually produced by rubbing the abdomen against the ends of the wing-covers, a behavior called “stridulation.” Reproduction of the Hercules Beetle ![]() Hercules beetles gain protection from predators by being active mainly at night (nocturnal), and hiding under logs or in vegetation during the day. There are reports that males may also use their horns for burrowing into the ground. When males fight with each other to gain mating rights with females, they use their pincers to pick up their opponents, and try to smash them to the ground. ![]() Many breeders add dried dog food pellets to the diet of larvae. Having an 8 in (20 cm) deep substrate can also allow females to lay eggs. They require a moist environment, which can be achieved with a suitable substrate. They can be housed in a standard aquarium/vivarium. Rearing Hercules beetles can be very challenging, but can be done with specialist knowledge. Remember, the life span of an adult Hercules beetle is only a few months. The only way that a Hercules beetle could hurt their owner is by scratching them with the sharp claws they have at the end of each leg. The large horns are not dangerous to humans. Hercules beetles are a popular pet, especially in Asia where they are very expensive to purchase. Hercules beetles are often kept as pets, but they have not been domesticated. Much of the Hercules beetles’ natural habitat has been negatively affected by both air and water pollution, or lost due to deforestation. The adults feed on fresh and rotting fruit. The larval forms of this beetle feed mainly on rotting wood. Hercules beetles are found only in Central and South America, but they are bred and kept as pets in many countries around the world. They also hide in rotting tree trunks or stumps. Hercules beetles are found in tropical jungles and rainforests, where they burrow into the ground as larvae, and push through the leaf-litter as adults. ![]() Good-Luck Charms – In Japan, large beetles are considered to be good-luck charms and symbols of strength and great drive.Size – There are only 2 other beetle species (both related to the Hercules beetle) that have a longer body length.Horn Length – The male’s horns (pincers) can be 2 – 3 in (5 – 7.5 cm) long, which is sometimes longer than the length of their entire bodies.Immense Strength – Some reports have indicated the Hercules beetle can carry up to 850 times its body mass.These characteristics lead to several interesting facts about Hercules beetles. Hercules beetles are among the largest and strongest of beetles, and the horns of the males are an extremely striking adaptation. Interesting Facts About the Hercules Beetle The elytra covers and protects the functional wings below – adult Hercules beetles can fly. Males tend to have black heads, and black, brown, or green bodies, covered with black spots whereas females are usually brownish-black. This is actually the hardened fore-wings (elytra) of the animal. They have a hard outer shell that is often shiny and iridescent. There are 13 sub-species of Hercules beetles which are differently colored, such as black, brown, green, blue, yellow, and white.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |