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Eastern hercules beetle

Eastern hercules beetle

Dynastes tityus

A species of Hercules beetles, Also known as Rhinoceros beetle

One of the largest beetles in the United States, eastern hercules beetle is hard to miss in forests and other wooded areas. The horned beetle hibernates underground, only emerging for a few months in the spring and summer. The beetle feeds on the sap and bark of ash trees and has also been known to eat decaying fruit.

General Info About Eastern hercules beetle
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Attributes of Eastern hercules beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
D. tityus lives in the eastern and southeastern United States, from New York state, Illinois and Indiana, south to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, with eastern Texas marking the western limit of its range.
Adult Food Sources
Sap, fruit, nectar, tree leaves, plant fluids
Larva Food Source
Decaying wood, leaf litter, decomposed organic matter, rotting fruit, compost
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Eastern hercules beetle is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Eastern hercules beetle
D. tityus lives in the eastern and southeastern United States, from New York state, Illinois and Indiana, south to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, with eastern Texas marking the western limit of its range.
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Life Cycle of Eastern hercules beetle
Egg In this initial phase, the egg of eastern hercules beetle is laid in a safe environment, often in the soil or within plant matter. The egg is typically small, oval, and lacks mobility or sensory organs.
Larva As a larva, eastern hercules beetle appears worm-like with a soft body. This stage is principally dedicated to feeding and growth. The larva increases significantly in size, molting multiple times before pupation. It differs vastly in form and function from the adult.
Pupal During pupation, eastern hercules beetle is encased in a protective cocoon, undergoing drastic transformation. Inside, it reshapes its organs and body structure. Although externally inactive, significant internal development occurs, setting the stage for the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult eastern hercules beetle's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction and, in some cases, dispersal.
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Predators of Adult Eastern hercules beetle
Birds of prey, mammalian carnivores, large spiders
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Interesting Facts About Eastern hercules beetle
The larvae of eastern hercules beetle can grow larger than the adults, reaching sizes up to 4 inches long.
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Scientific Classification of Eastern hercules beetle
Tips for Finding Eastern hercules beetle
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Youth Habitat of Eastern hercules beetle
Forests and Woodlands, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Eastern hercules beetle
Forests and Woodlands
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When is the Best Time to Observe Eastern hercules beetle
Dusk or nighttime are ideal times to look for adult eastern hercules beetle, as they are more active during these periods.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Eastern hercules beetle
Warm, humid evenings, especially after rainfall, may increase the activity of eastern hercules beetle and the likelihood of encountering them.
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How and Where Can You Find Eastern hercules beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of eastern hercules beetle are often found buried in rotting wood or composting material where they feed. To find them, search in decaying logs or leaf litter and turn over the material carefully.
Pupal Pupae of eastern hercules beetle can be located within the substrate where the larva was feeding. It may require carefully splitting open rotten wood or inspecting the composting material without disturbing the pupae.
Adult Adult eastern hercules beetle can be found on trees, near sources of sap, or around lights at night. Look for them climbing on tree trunks or visit ecological light traps set up in suitable habitats.
Are Eastern hercules beetle harmful?
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