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Elephant beetle

Elephant beetle

Megasoma elephas

A species of Elephant beetles, Also known as Rhinoceros beetle, Elephant rhino beetle

The male elephant beetle is a well-known beetle due to the it's three large horns used for 'winning' mates and prey; females do not have these horns. This species can take up to three years to mature from their egg to adult form with adults only living a couple of months afterward. The elephant beetle feeds on sap from plants and trees and is mostly active during the night.

General Info About Elephant beetle
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Attributes of Elephant beetle
Adult Food Sources
Tree sap, fruit, nectar, leaves, plant shoots
Larva Food Source
Decaying wood, leaf litter, decaying organic matter, rotten fruits, compost
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Elephant beetle is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Elephant beetle
They are located in southern Mexico, Central America, and in South American rainforests.
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Distribution Area of Elephant beetle
Southern Mexico, Central America, South American
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Appearance of Elephant beetle
Elephant beetles are black in color and covered with a coat of fine microscopic hairs. The hairs grow particularly thick on the beetle's elytra. The hairs give the beetle's body a yellowish color. Males have two horns protruding from the head and another from the prothorax. Females have no horns. In size, elephant beetles range between 7 - 12 cm; males are sometimes even bigger. Males are around 2 to 3 times bigger than the females.
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How to Identify Elephant beetle?

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Predators of Elephant beetle Larvae
Ants, rodents, beetles
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Predators of Adult Elephant beetle
Birds of prey, monkeys, large reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Elephant beetle
The elephant beetle can produce signals in ultrasonic frequencies which are imperceptible to human ears; a unique communication method among its kind.
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Scientific Classification of Elephant beetle
Tips for Finding Elephant beetle
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Youth Habitat of Elephant beetle
Rotting and Decaying Matter, Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Elephant beetle
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Elephant beetle
Rotten fruit or a fermentation bait may attract adult elephant beetle due to their feeding habits.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Elephant beetle
Warm and humid conditions are ideal as elephant beetle prefers such climates, typically found in tropical regions.
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How and Where Can You Find Elephant beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva To find elephant beetle in its larval stage, search in decomposing wood or underground near the roots of large trees, as they feed on decaying plant matter.
Pupal Elephant beetle pupates within a cocoon made of surrounding material. Look for pupal chambers in the ground or within decaying wood, where the larvae previously fed.
Adult For adult elephant beetle, search near sources of light at night or inspect fruiting trees where they might feed on sap or ripe fruit. They may also be found near the ground where females lay eggs.
Are Elephant beetle harmful?
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Common Questions People Also Ask
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