Species Strategus aloeus

Ox Beetle

Strategus aloeus (Linnaeus 1758)

31-61 mm(1)

Major male has two large horns at rear of pronotum, large horn in center that projects forward. "Minor" male has stubby horns, female has none.(2)

s. CA to FL-GA / to S. Amer. - Map (1)(3)

Under most circumstances larvae probably feed exclusively on decayed wood although they will apparently feed on root material when necessary. Pupation occurs in the food substrate where an oval pupal chamber is formed. (1)

The males of S. aloeus can be separated from all other species by the characteristic shape of the genitalia; they may be easily confused with other species if external features only are used in identification. The key characters will serve adequately to separate the females from all other species.

Strategus aloeus is the most widespread, abundant, and morphologically variable species in the genus. (1)

Ritcher's (1966) key to separating larvae:

Claws bearing 2 setae (Fig. 332) --- Dynastes

Claws bearing 3 or 4 setae (Figs. 333 and 334) --- Strategus (4)

Texas Entomology - Mike Quinn 2008