The Goliath beetles are among the largest beetles in the world named after Goliath, the famous Biblical giant. They are known for their strength, with some capable of lifting objects 850 times heavier than their own weight.
Size: Males: 2.4–4.3 in (6–11 cm) Females: 2.0–3.1 in (5–8 cm)
Color: Depending on the species, their elytra are a mix of black, brown, and white.
Other Characteristic Features: Male goliath beetles have a horn shaped like the letter Y, used to settle disputes with other males over food and mates. While females do not have horns, their heads are shaped like a wedge and are used to dig burrows where their eggs are laid.
Goliath beetle larvae range from pale yellow to off white in color. They consume more protein than most the larvae of most other beetles. In about four months, they will weigh more than 100 g and grow up to 5 inches.
After fully maturing, they will dig underground and begin to pupate. Pupation takes place incol3 a thin-walled cocoon constructed out of sandy soil. During this stage, the beetle begins its metamorphosis into an adult, with its tissues breaking down and re-organizing.
To ensure that the larvae have a sufficient source of food when growing up, females tend to lit their eggs in protein-rich soil.
| Lifespan | 3-6 months |
| Distribution | Southeast Africa |
| Habitat | Dense rainforests with a warm, tropical climate |
| Predators | Birds and lizards |
| Seasons active | Rainy periods from June to August and December to March |
| Host Plants | Decaying vegetation and wood |
| Diet of adults | Foods with high sugar content, such as rotting fruit and tree sap. |
As they primarily feed on rotting and decayed vegetation, they do not generally cause too much damage. The mandibles of the male however can deliver a powerful pinch if they feel threatened.
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The Goliath beetles are among the largest beetles in the world named after Goliath, the famous Biblical giant. They are known for their strength, with some capable of lifting objects 850 times heavier than their own weight.
Size: Males: 2.4–4.3 in (6–11 cm) Females: 2.0–3.1 in (5–8 cm)
Color: Depending on the species, their elytra are a mix of black, brown, and white.
Other Characteristic Features: Male goliath beetles have a horn shaped like the letter Y, used to settle disputes with other males over food and mates. While females do not have horns, their heads are shaped like a wedge and are used to dig burrows where their eggs are laid.
Goliath beetle larvae range from pale yellow to off white in color. They consume more protein than most the larvae of most other beetles. In about four months, they will weigh more than 100 g and grow up to 5 inches.
After fully maturing, they will dig underground and begin to pupate. Pupation takes place incol3 a thin-walled cocoon constructed out of sandy soil. During this stage, the beetle begins its metamorphosis into an adult, with its tissues breaking down and re-organizing.
To ensure that the larvae have a sufficient source of food when growing up, females tend to lit their eggs in protein-rich soil.
| Lifespan | 3-6 months |
| Distribution | Southeast Africa |
| Habitat | Dense rainforests with a warm, tropical climate |
| Predators | Birds and lizards |
| Seasons active | Rainy periods from June to August and December to March |
| Host Plants | Decaying vegetation and wood |
| Diet of adults | Foods with high sugar content, such as rotting fruit and tree sap. |
As they primarily feed on rotting and decayed vegetation, they do not generally cause too much damage. The mandibles of the male however can deliver a powerful pinch if they feel threatened.
Image Source: thoughtco.com, mediastorehouse.com, thoughtco.com, i.pinimg.com, facts.net, thoughtco.com
