to know our local insects 1

the rhinoceros beetle

The rhinoceros beetles or rhino beetle are a subfamily (Dynastinae) of beetles in the family of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae). They are among the largest of beetles, and their common name refers to the characteristic horns borne by the males of most species in the group. The male beetles use their horns in mating battles against other males. Their larval stage is long, several years in some species. The larvae feed on rotten wood while the adults feed on nectar, plant sap and fruit. Rhinoceros beetle larvae are sometimes fried and eaten as a bush delicacy. However, their greatest economic importance is as pests: Oryctes rhinoceros especially can de-foliate and sometimes kill coconut and oil palms in the SE Asian and Pacific regions. Biological controls heve been developed, based on entomopathogen viruses and the fungus Metarhizium majus. Rhinoceros beetles are popular pets in Asia. They are clean, easy to maintain, and safe to handle. In Asian countries, male beetles are also used for gambling fights since they naturally compete for female beetles with the winner knocking the other off a log. Rhinoceros beetles are also the strongest animals on the planet in relation to their own size. They can lift up to 850 times their own weight. to know more, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros_Beetle