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Hercules Beetle

Common Name: Hercules Beetle

Scientific Name: Dynastes tityus

Order: Coleoptera

Range: Occurs from southwestern US: Arizona, western New Mexico, southern Utah and northern Mexico.

Diet: Larvae live in rotten logs and will eat organic matter, adults will feed on leaves or rotten organic matter.

Reader Rail Information: These beetles are often called elephant beetles because of their large size and horns; males have three large horns while females have none. The Hercules beetles are the largest North American beetle growing to 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in length and are yellow to green in color with mottled brown or black spots. These beetles will release a foul odor to deter predators, like large insects or birds. These beetles are harmless to humans. These beetles help to break down decaying wood and vegetation to help clear the forest floor and add nutrients to the soil.

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