Major Male - Phanaeus vindex

Phanaeus Vindex

The beautiful beetle pictured is the male. Does the female look much the same, without the long horn, and with a more flattened "lip" out front? I live in Texas (North of Houston) and found such a beetle in my garden. Did I bring it into my garden with horse manure last year perhaps? It is the most lovely bug I've ever seen. Sue Burgess

… sue burgess, 16 April, 2011 - 11:38am

Came in with manure

These beetles tend to prefer more rural areas. The femal is equally colorful with two minor bumps on her head. No horns on the females although the male horns vary in length. Grubs may have overwintered in the manure. I have raised several of these on manure. Glad you had the experience to see one of these beauties.

… Scott Nelson, 16 April, 2011 - 1:16pm

JUST SPOTTED IN HASTINGS/ST AUGUSTINE FL

7-19-2010 2:05 PM EST. I WAS OUTSIDE CLEANING MY POOL AND ONE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL BEETLES FELL IN THE WATER. I FISHED IT OUT AND BROUGHT IT TO A SAFER BUSHY PLACE. WHEN IT DRIED OUT IT FLEW WEST. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BEETLE WITH SUCH COLOR OR THAT HUGE SINGLE BLACK BACKWARD FACING HORN. SORRY I DO NOT HAVE A CAMERA. PHANAEUS VINDEX MALE

… beaudaciousdragonlady, 19 July, 2010 - 1:34pm

Just spotted one in Quincy Fl

My daughter and I found one in our driveway. Beautiful

… J Johnson, 14 November, 2010 - 4:20pm

Glad you saw one

Once you have seen one, you will not forget these amazing creatures. Thanks for drying hit out and releasing it again.

… Scott Nelson, 19 July, 2010 - 3:01pm

Found One like this

Found one just like this in Goldsboro North Carolina. Do you know what this beetle feeds on?

… JEFFERY ELIXSON, 27 September, 2007 - 2:20pm

Manue

This beetle will feed on cattle or horse manue,but I have had the best luck giving mine fresh 1 day or less cattle manure. Each beetle will need about an ounce. They need to be in a container of sandy soil with a depth of at least 6-8 inches. Feed it every three days or so. If you want more complete data, email me. Best wishes.

… Scott Nelson, 27 September, 2007 - 7:02pm

P. vindex

Beautiful shot of very major male P. vindex, not igneus. P. igneus should actually be fairly common in Florida. Compare texture of elytra and pronotum

P. igneus can get a little more major than this

but not much. The horns will NEVER get as large as yours above.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 8 July, 2006 - 8:48pm

I live in Charleston, SC and

I live in Charleston, SC and I found one of these beatles today, 8-30-11. It is the male because it has the horn and it is beautiful. I have never seen one before so I had to look it up. Unfortunately I found it dead but completely intact.

… jmusachio, 30 August, 2011 - 4:10pm