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Paul_Joslin

RHINOCEROS BEETLES ARE HUGE

If you count the long horn like projection rhino beetles can reach 7 inches (17 cm) in size. Lab tests have established that they are also incredibly strong, ca...
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If you count the long horn like projection rhino beetles can reach 7 inches (17 cm) in size. Lab tests have established that they are also incredibly strong, capable of carrying in excess of 100 times their own weight.

They are found in the rainforests of central and northern South America. (This one was photographed in Costa Rica). While not endangered over their entire range, there are local pockets of concern resulting from their larvae feeding mainly on dead and decaying old growth forest much of which has been lost in recent decades to logging. Their larval stage lasts two years or more before they metamorphose. As adults they live on a diet of fruit and tree sap for a few months to a few years depending on the species. This one is feeding on cut sugar cane.

The long horn like projection is used by the males in fighting with other males.
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Jan, 2018

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340

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+47

Awards

Winner in Its A Bugs World Photo Challenge

Peer Award

+12

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Absolute Masterpiece

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Outstanding Creativity

Magnificent Capture

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Wow this is a great photo,can't believe how close you were.

Stunning beetle,what is it?is it some sort of stag beetle?

Platinum

Good question and took a little digging to find out. Rhinoceros beetles, consisting over 1500 species are members of the scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae while stag beetles belong to their own family Lucanidae consisting of about 1200 species.

Ultimate

Nice image Paul - congratulations on your challenge win! Kurt

PRO

Congratulations on your double win Paul. Well done!