Rhinoceros Beetle - Dynastes tityus

Where do these live?

A beetle that looks just like this one (maybe a little darker?) was found at my son's school today. We live in North Georgia. I really did not think this bug was native to this area and I can't seem to find any info on where to find them. Some sites I have looked at seem to indicate that they live in the southwest. This guy we found today was HUGE! I'd say he was larger than a silver dollar. He was beautiful!! We told one of the dads there that he should take him to the local nature center, but I think he planned on setting him free. I wish I had a container to put him in so I could take him home.

… mommawave, 24 July, 2008 - 12:01pm

????what kind do I really have????

How am I suppost to know what kind of beetle I have. Is it a Rhinoceros Beetle/Hercules Beetle/ Eastern Hercules Beetle. I have looked at many of these pictures and there all starting to get me confused. What is the differences between the 3. My beetle looks just like this picture but he's kinda bluish gray with spots. He keeps falling over on his back, does that mean he's gonna die soon. If you know what kind I have and you have info on him could you please let me know. Email me at chiva_dustin@lycos.com Thank You

… Chiva, 14 July, 2006 - 7:11pm

hercules beetle

I live in southwest Missouri and my grandson found one of these today. Unfortunately, it was already deceased, but it is a spectacular thing to see!! It has a peculiar odor. Half of the creature's back is as pictured, and the other half is solid black. He is 5 1/2 cm long, and 3 cm wide. Is in good shape. Any information on how to preserve it would be appreciated. In my many years, have never seen one of these!!

… april hurst, 8 August, 2006 - 8:55pm

Read the Guide Page Using the Link Below

.... and also use the links Given On This Page to learn even more about this species.

… Bob Patterson, 14 July, 2006 - 8:07pm

I have one.

I just found this big horned beetle that looks just like that picture. I live down by Galveston Texas. What do these insects eat, and how should I fix his home, so my 8 year old son can keep it? Where can I find more info on this type of beetle? Is this beetle dangerous, can my son hold it or will it pinch or bite him? Anyone with info about this type of beetle please email me at chiva_dustin@lycos.com Thanks

… Chiva, 14 July, 2006 - 6:40pm

Holy Cow!

I had no idea those beetles were that large.

… Lynette Schimming, 19 February, 2005 - 5:49pm

Largest in Maryland

Lynette, John Glaser told me they were the largest beetles found in Maryland. I guess that means in body volume, but maybe overall length with those horns. The Peterson Field Guide says that two species of Dynastes are the largest in North America, with this one attaining lengths of 40-62 mm. That's just about 2.5 inches of critter.

… Bob Patterson, 19 February, 2005 - 6:16pm

Hi Bob

Glad to see you posting. I unlinked these images because we reserve image linking for images of the same specimen (not species). Eventually I'll take advantage of that to generate statistics on our collection data, and in this case we'd want to count two individuals instead of just one.

… Troy Bartlett, 18 February, 2005 - 8:39pm