Atlas beetle
| Atlas beetle | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Scarabaeidae |
| Subfamily: | Dynastinae |
| Genus: | Chalcosoma |
| Species: | C. atlas |
| Binomial name | |
|
Chalcosoma atlas (Linnaeus, 1758) |
|
The Atlas beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) is a species of beetle belonging to the Scarabaeidae family.
Chalcosoma atlas, like other beetles of the genus Chalcosoma, is remarkable for its size, that can reach a length of about 25–60 millimetres (0.98–2.36 in) in the females. As common in some Scarabaeidae, the males are larger than the females, reaching a length of about 60–130 millimetres (2.4–5.1 in). The males have specialised horns on the head and thorax that they use to fight with each other to gain mating rights with females. The Atlas beetle differs from other Chalcosoma species (such as C. caucasus) in the end of the cephalic (head) horn of the Atlas, which is broadened.
The larva of the Atlas beetle is known for its fierce behavior, including biting if touched. Unverified reports exist of larvae that live together fighting to the death if there's not enough space or food.
This species can be found in southern Asia, especially Indonesia.
The species is the host of a parasitoid, the giant scoliid wasp, Megascolia procer, which has a paralysing venom.
Sexual dimorphism in Chalcosoma atlas. From Darwin's The Descent of Man, 2nd edn. 1882.
Male of Chalcosoma atlas.
Males of Chalcosoma atlas.
Females of Chalcosoma atlas.
...
Wikipedia