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Occidental elephant beetle

Occidental elephant beetle

Megasoma occidentalis

A species of Elephant beetles

Megasoma occidentale is a species of scarab beetle. It is endemic to Mexico and is known from the Oaxaca and Sinaloa states. Adults are attracted by light. Larvae have been collected in rotten coconut palm stems.

General Info About Occidental elephant beetle
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Attributes of Occidental elephant beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
field
Adult Food Sources
Sap, fruit, nectar, leaves, tree bark
Larva Food Source
Decaying wood, leaf litter, decomposing organic matter, rotting fruit, vegetation debris
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Occidental elephant beetle is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The Occidental elephant beetle can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Occidental elephant beetle feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Distribution Area of Occidental elephant beetle
Mexico
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Predators of Adult Occidental elephant beetle
Birds, mammalian carnivores, reptiles, large spiders, centipedes
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Interesting Facts About Occidental elephant beetle
The occidental elephant beetle larvae are subterranean and can outweigh the adults, reaching up to 225 grams in weight.
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Scientific Classification of Occidental elephant beetle
Tips for Finding Occidental elephant beetle
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Youth Habitat of Occidental elephant beetle
Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Habitat Preferences of Occidental elephant beetle Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of occidental elephant beetle are typically deposited in decomposing plant matter or underground near rotting wood, where they can safely develop. Larvae usually reside in composting heaps or heavily decayed logs, feeding on the organic material found therein. Pupae are likely to be found within the soil or in a constructed cocoon made from surrounding material, where they remain until metamorphosis completes. Adults of occidental elephant beetle prefer habitats with abundant food sources like tree sap and ripe fruit, often found in wooded areas, forests, or orchards. To observe the various stages of occidental elephant beetle, one would comb through leaf litter or soil for eggs, dissect rotten wood for larvae, cautiously excavate the ground for pupae, and search the foliage or tree trunks at night for adults.
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