Big Beautiful Beetle - Phileurus truncatus

Moved

… Natalie Hernandez, 20 September, 2009 - 12:41am

Rhinocerus Beetle

This Xyloryctes genus looks pretty similar, but the depression in the thorax on yours looks more distinct. It's something close I'd bet.

click to enlarge

… Andrew Williams, 16 August, 2009 - 3:39pm

Yeah pretty close.

Same subfamily, but a different tribe. Genus Phileurus. I'm thinking its Phileurus truncatus the Triceratops beetle.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/4704/bgimage

… Natalie Hernandez, 16 August, 2009 - 4:32pm

Phileurus looks good

It matches the crease in the thorax. I only can see one horn on this guy though? Doesn't Phileurus truncatus have 3 horns?

… Andrew Williams, 17 August, 2009 - 9:28am

Yep, this guy has three.

I think its just the angle its at, but I see the two larger horns on the sides and the smaller third horn in the middle.

… Natalie Hernandez, 17 August, 2009 - 2:40pm

Hi Natalie - yes, you're righ

Hi Natalie - yes, you're right. There are three horns - 2 side, and 1 small center. Can you also tell me if this beetle is unusual?

THANKS for your help!!

… Chamberlain, 17 August, 2009 - 3:42pm

I'm not sure.

I don't think its an extremely common beetle, but I also don't think its extremely rare either. Here's a link to the info page for the species, you can also click on data to see where else its been collected. Its mostly a southeastern beetle.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/4705

… Natalie Hernandez, 17 August, 2009 - 5:47pm

THANKS again!! He will just

THANKS again!! He will just reside in his little plastic case on my desk as yet another fascinating example of the natural world. Friends think I'm a bit odd, but grandchildren LOVE my office!!

I appreciate your help!!

Margie

… Chamberlain, 18 August, 2009 - 7:43am

Haha I know how you feel :)

Some people think I'm really cool for having tons of insects in boxes and others just think I'm crazy :) Enjoy your beetle!

… Natalie Hernandez, 18 August, 2009 - 8:06am