Order Coleoptera Subfamily Dynastinae Rank Species | Higher classification Chalcosoma | |
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Similar Chalcosoma, Chalcosoma caucasus, Insect, Beetle, Hercules beetle | ||
The Atlas beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) is a species of beetle belonging to the Scarabaeidae family.
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Chalcosoma atlas atlas beetle have died
Description
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.
Larvae
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.
Distribution
This species can be found in southern Asia, especially Indonesia.
Parasitoids
The species is the host of a parasitoid, the giant scoliid wasp, Megascolia procer, which has a paralysing venom.
Subspecies
