On Guard
Posted by April Gilley on August 18, 2005
Q: I found this very large
green beetle w/black spots and it's pincers are hooked shape up and down instead of like the stag beetle, and it's shell has a glossy shine to it, could you please help me put a name to this species it is very fascinating.
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Tennessee
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Nice description, I had an immediate image of your insect - very helpful!
I believe your beetle is the Rhinoceros Beetle (also called the Eastern Hercules Beetle)or one that is closely related. The Rhinoceros Beetle (Dynastes tityus)is quite large and the male, not the female, has large "horns" on his head as you described. This particular beetle and others in this family (family Scarabaeidae) are scarab beetles from the same group of insects that the ancient Egyptians have made famous with their jewelry.
You might want to google this beetle to make sure this is the correct identification and if it is you'll be able to find out a bit of natural history about it too. Thanks for your question.
John Wiessinger ( August 18, 2005)