|
Species Phileurus truncatus - Triceratops Beetle
Classification Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class Insecta (Insects)
Order Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder Polyphaga (Water, Rove, Scarab, Longhorn, Leaf and Snout Beetles)
Superfamily Scarabaeoidea (Scarab, Stag and Bess Beetles)
Family Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
Subfamily Dynastinae (Rhinoceros Beetles)
Tribe Phileurini
Genus Phileurus
Species truncatus (Triceratops Beetle)
Other Common Names Loving Scarab Explanation of Names Specific name "truncatus" probably refers to the rather short horns. (Plausible speculation.) Identification Black, distinctly flattened, both sexes with three prominent horns on head. Elytra deeply striated. Resembles Xyloryctes jamaciensies, but has three, not one, horn. P. valgus is similar, but smaller, and has very short horns.
Both sexes have horns. This is unusual among horned scarabs. Range Southern United States, southwards into South America. Habitat Woodlands. Adults have been reported causing cabin fires by coming down chimneys, presumably attracted to fireplace smoke and spreading embers. Season April-September (South Carolina), reported July-September (North Carolina) Food Adults of this genus will take fruit and meat in captivity. One sources says adults eat other insects. Life Cycle Adults come to lights. Larvae feed in rotten logs, reported, in particular, from dead oaks. Presumably, males (?) use horns to defend breeding sites. Lifespan of adults is reported to be quite long (up to two years) in captivity. Reported to have structures for sound production (stridulation) (1). Stridulate softly when handled (P. Coin, Durham, NC 11 July 2007). Remarks A southeastern and tropical species, not illustrated in most North American guides on beetles. See Also Phileurus valgus-smaller, with horns reduced to bumps
Rhinoceros Beetle, Xyloryctes jamaciensis
Print References Taber, p. 147, discusses life history briefly, photo, fig. 127. (1) (Original citation is Glaser, Coleopterist's Bulletin, 1976; 30: 133-8.)
Harpootlian, p. 115, fig. 229 (2)
Deyrup, p. 96, has photo of this species but does not name it--states they live in rotten logs (3)
Brimley, p. 207, gives occurence in North Carolina. (4)Internet References Clemson Univ.--illustration of P. truncatus
Beetle Experience photo gallery for this species.
Cerambycids.com has sequence of photos showing development.
Rhino Beetles page says adults of both sexes identical.
Elytra and Antenna--says adults eat other insects.
Beetles of Oklahoma--museum holdings for that state Works Cited | 3. | Florida's Fabulous Insects
By Mark Deyrup, Brian Kenney, Thomas C. Emmel |  |
|
|
|
|
