Identification
Scientific Name:
Megasoma actaeon
Common Names:
rhinoceros beetle, dynaste, rhynocˇros

Classification
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Dynastinae
Genus: Megasoma
Species: actaeon

 

Many dynastes have been dubbed "rhinoceros" beetles because of their long curved horns, similar to those of male rhinoceros. The females, however, don't have these virile attributes.
  

Habitat
Species of the genus Megasoma are found in Central and South America.

Profile
According to many entomologists, the males of some species of dynastes are the largest and most massive insects in the world. Some specimens of Megasoma acteon can reach up to 15 cm and weigh as much as 30 g.
 
The larvae of these giant beetles are equally enormous. When they reach full maturity, after three or four years, they can be up to 13 cm long. They feed mainly on rotting wood, especially the trunks of dead coconut palms. Some suck sap from trees and juice from ripe fruit.
 
Male rhinoceros beetles use their horns in ferocious battles with each other over females or territory.
 
Despite their ferocious appearance, rhinoceros beetles are harmless.

These huge larvae are actually considered a delicacy by many forest dwellers.
  

Some Amazonian tribes use rhinoceros beetle horns in amulets, for they are considered symbols of physical and sexual prowess. The amulets are thought to increase the wearer's virility and protect him from illness.
  

Some even more superstitious people grind up the horns and eat them, in hopes of enhancing their sex life.
  

Insect collectors take note: these beetles are nocturnal, and are strongly attracted to light.