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Goliath beetle Facts

Goliath beetle Facts
Goliath beetle is a beetle that is ranked as the largest beetle on the planet. There are few other beetles that have longer body, but they are either lighter or less strong, compared to the Goliath beetle. There are 7 subspecies of Goliath beetles. They exist on the Earth for the past 300 million years. These amazing creatures can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. They prefer warm climate and life in dense rainforests. Although Goliath beetles can be popular as pets (which negatively affect their number in the wild), they are not on the list of endangered species.
Interesting Goliath beetle Facts:
Goliath beetles are usually 2.1 to 4.2 inches long, weighing up to 1.7 ounces at adult stage. During larval stage, Goliath beetles can weigh 3.5 ounces.
Goliath beetles are also known as the largest beetles on the planet because of their strength: they can lift a load that is 850 times heavier than their own weight.
Color of the Goliath beetles' body depends on the subspecies, but it is usually combination of black, brown and white colors.
Males and females can be easily distinguished. Females lack Y-shaped horns on the heads. Unlike males, females have wedge shaped head.
Y-shaped horns in males are used in fight for territory and during the mating season.
Goliath beetles have 6 legs equipped with sharp claws. They are handy for climbing on the trees.
Goliath beetles have pair of wings called elytra that protect softer wings underneath them. They are very long (two thirds of the total body length) and positioned on the back part of the body. When insect spreads its flying wings, second pair of wings becomes visible.
Goliath beetles eat different types of plant material, fruit, dung and remaining of dead animals.
Goliath beetle are important part of the food chain in ecosystem because they eliminate decaying matter of plant and animal origin.
Goliath beetles undergo complete metamorphosis that consists of following stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult insect.
Female will lay eggs in the ground that is rich in proteins. They are required for normal growth of larva.
Larva digs a burrow and hides itself underground during a period of around 5 months. Larva can reach 5 inches in length. When the season of monsoon starts, larva will stop its further development and turn itself into pupa.
Metamorphosis from the pupa to adult takes place underground. Adult beetle will be in hibernation until the outer weather conditions improve (until the start of dry season).
At the beginning of the dry season, adult beetle emerges from the ground and starts looking for the mating partner. In the wild, Goliath beetles will die soon after mating.
Average lifespan of Goliath beetle is one year in captivity and several months in the wild.


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