Hercules Beetle

The longest beetle on Earth, named for its legendary strength.

The Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles. It is the longest extant species of beetle in the world, and is also one of the largest flying insects in the world.

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Dynastes hercules

Lore & Background

Dynastes hercules is known for its tremendous strength and is named after Hercules, a hero of classical mythology who is famed for his great strength.

Reader's Guide

Adult body sizes (not including the thoracic horn) vary between 50 and 85 mm in length and 29 and 42 mm in width. Male Hercules beetles may reach up to 173 mm in length (including the horn), making them the longest species of beetle in the world if horns are included. The species is highly sexually dimorphic, with only males exhibiting horns. Males have black bodies with olive-green elytra that darken at high humidity. Females have punctured elytra, usually entirely black. Larvae are saproxylophagous, feeding on rotting wood, and can grow up to 11 cm in length. Adults feed on fresh and rotting fruit and tree sap. Males engage in combat using their horns to win mating rights.