Description
- You will get Dynastes hercules hercules Larva
- Hercules beetles are some of the largest beetles and indeed, some of the largest insects alive today. The larva of D. hercules in its later instars (larval growth stages) can weigh up to 140 grams and barely fits in the outstretched hand of a male adult human.
- The most obvious and striking features of the adult male are the long horns that arise from the thorax (thoracic) and head (cephalic). Together, these appendages mimic both the appearance and function of a large claw. When measured from the end of the longer, thoracic horn to the tip of the abdomen, adult males average around 78 mm in length, though there are reports of massive males on the island of Guadeloupe reaching 180 mm long. Females lack horns and are smaller, averaging 61.8 mm long.
- All information on Hercules beetle lifespan has been collected under artificial conditions. These data nonetheless give a general idea of the longevity of the species. The egg incubates for around one month before hatching into a larva. The larval stage can last from 12 to 18 months before the 2 to 3 month pupal stage. Once emerged, the adult beetle can live for 8 to 12 months making the potential lifespan 34 months. (Kasahara, 2006)
- Hercules beetles are herbivorous with the larvae feeding on rotting wood and the adults foraging for fallen, rotting fruits among the undergrowth. In controlled settings they have been observed devouring bananas and mangos. They first pierce the skin of the fruit with their mouth parts then proceed to masticate the surrounding tissue into a soft, easy to process pulp. Given the opportunity, D. hercules will feed uninterrupted for up to 24 hours in artificial conditions.
Pattern Name:L2
Live Beetle Dynastes hercules hercules Larva L1 L2 Food Habits Hercules beetles are herbivorous with the larvae feeding on rotting wood and the adults foraging for fallen, rotting fruits among the undergrowth. In controlled settings they have been observed devouring bananas and mangos. They first pierce the skin of the fruit with their mouth parts then proceed to masticate the surrounding tissue into a soft, easy to process pulp. Given the opportunity, D. hercules will feed uninterrupted for up to 24 hours in artificial conditions. (Beebe, 1944; Rassart, et al., 2008) Primary Diet herbivore frugivore lignivore Plant Foods wood, bark, or stems fruit
