beetle horn / beetle hercules

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Scarabaeidae
Sub Family: Dynastinae
Genus: Chalcosoma
Species: Chalcosoma atlas
Body length: 3.5 cm - 11.5 cm
Life expectancy: 8 months (male), 2 years (female)

Hornbill is one of the largest beetle species in the world and is a nocturnal animal (active at night). During the day, they hide under a tree trunk to avoid predators. Proportionately, the horn beetle is the strongest animal on earth. They can lift up to 850 times their own weight.

Only the male beetles have horns. The size of the horn is an indicator of the physical health of the male beetle. Male horn beetles use their horns in battles over food and territory to attract the attention of females. The losing opponent does not try to be pursued and there is no mutual killing or injury. Horns can also be used to dig up the soil and bury themselves in the ground, hiding from harm. The horn beetle has wings and can be used for flying.