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European rhinoceros beetle

European rhinoceros beetle

Oryctes nasicornis

A species of Oryctes

The european rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes nasicornis), also called an "elephant beetle" and a "Hercules beetle", has a massive horn-like structure in the front. This bug is well-known because Dim from A Bug's Life is a european rhinoceros beetle. The males use their horns for fighting over food and over females. However, this species is actually harmless and only feeds on plants.

General Info About European rhinoceros beetle
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Attributes of European rhinoceros beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
wood; rotting wood stump; sawdust
Adult Food Sources
Tree sap, fruit, leaves, plant stems, flowers
Larva Food Source
Decaying wood, compost, decomposing leaf litter, rotten fruit, manure
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The European rhinoceros 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
The European rhinoceros 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.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of European rhinoceros beetle
It inhabits the Palaearctic region, excluding the British Isles. It is widespread in the Mediterranean basin up to Pakistan, the Near East and North Africa.
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Distribution Area of European rhinoceros beetle
Palaearctic region, excluding the British Isles, Northern Europe, Mediterranean basin up to Pakistan, the Near East and North Africa
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Appearance of European rhinoceros beetle
Oryctes nasicornis reach a length of 2 - 4 cm, with a maximum of 5 cm. Elytra are reddish brown with a glazed appearance, while head and pronotum are slightly darker. The underside of the body and the legs are covered with long red hair. It is a sexually dimorphic species. The male's head is topped by a long curved horn (hence its common name), while the females have no horns. The larvae can reach a length of 6 - 10 cm.
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How to Identify European rhinoceros beetle?

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Life Cycle of European rhinoceros beetle
Egg The egg is the first stage where development begins. The eggs are often small, oval, and laid in clusters. They vary in color and are usually hidden for protection.
Larva The larva, resembling a grub, hatches with a voracious appetite. It's elongated, has a soft body, segmentally arranged, and lacks true legs. Growth involves several molts.
Pupal During pupation, the european rhinoceros beetle is immobile and encased in a protective cocoon. This stage involves drastic transformation wherein wings and adult structures develop.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult european rhinoceros 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.
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Adult Size of European rhinoceros beetle
2 - 4.5 cm
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Predators of European rhinoceros beetle Larvae
Birds, rodents, carabid beetles, ants
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Predators of Adult European rhinoceros beetle
Birds, mammals, large spiders, centipedes, carabid beetles, ants
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Interesting Facts About European rhinoceros beetle
European rhinoceros beetle larvae can live for several years underground, undergoing a remarkable transformation that is seldom observed by humans.
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Scientific Classification of European rhinoceros beetle
Tips for Finding European rhinoceros beetle
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Youth Habitat of European rhinoceros beetle
Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of European rhinoceros beetle
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract European rhinoceros beetle
Ripe fruit or fermented plant material can be used as bait to attract adult european rhinoceros beetle.
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Habitat Preferences of European rhinoceros beetle Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of european rhinoceros beetle typically reside in decomposing wood or organic matter within the soil. These grubs are often found in rotting tree stumps, compost, or manure heaps where they feed and develop. Meanwhile, pupation occurs within a cocoon made from surrounding material, often in the same environments as the larval stage. Adults can be found on decaying logs, trees, and around sap flows, which they feed on. Searching for these stages, one would inspect such decaying organic materials, sifting through compost or manure and examining under bark or within soil at the base of old trees for larvae and pupae. For adults, nighttime surveys around lights or sap flows can yield sightings, as adults are attracted to these for feeding.
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When is the Best Time to Observe European rhinoceros beetle
Evening or nighttime is the most suitable time to find adult european rhinoceros beetle, as they are more active when the temperature is cooler and the light is dim.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe European rhinoceros beetle
Warm and humid weather conditions are more suitable for finding european rhinoceros beetle, especially after rain, as it is when they are most active.
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How and Where Can You Find European rhinoceros beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva European rhinoceros beetle larvae reside in decaying wood or compost heaps. To find them, search through rotting logs or decomposing organic material in forested areas.
Pupal European rhinoceros beetle pupae are likely to be hidden in a cocoon within the soil or wood. They can be found by carefully excavating around the base of dead trees or in mulch.
Adult Adult european rhinoceros beetle can be found around sources of light at night or on trees where they feed on sap or rotting fruit. Inspecting tree trunks and branches, as well as setting up light traps, can aid in locating them.
Are European rhinoceros beetle harmful?
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Harmful Effects of European rhinoceros beetle
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Hurt Plant

European rhinoceros beetle larvae feed on decomposing plant matter, but adults may cause visible damage to a wide variety of plants by chewing plant tissues and thus can affect every plant organ. The host plants may exhibit reduced growth, vigour, and yield as a consequence of this feeding activity.

More Effects of European rhinoceros beetle

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