Order Coleoptera Subfamily Cetoniinae Rank Species | Genus Goliathus Higher classification Goliathus | |
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Similar Goliathus, Beetle, Insect, Goliathus orientalis, Scarabs | ||
Goliathus goliatus goliath beetle goliathk fer
Goliathus goliatus is a species of beetles belonging to the Scarabaeidae family.
Contents
Goliathus goliatus goliath beetle goliathk fer
Synonyms
Subspecies
(Biolib)
Description
Goliathus goliatus is one of the largest species in the genus Goliathus, males having a body length of about 50–110 millimetres (2.0–4.3 in) and females having a body length of about 50–80 millimetres (2.0–3.1 in). The pronotum (thoracic shield) is mainly black, with whitish longitudinal stripes, while elytra are usually dark brown. This pattern may differ greatly in some subspecies and forms.
This species possess a large and membranous secondary pair of wings actually used for flying. When not in use, they are kept completely folded beneath the elytra. The head is whitish, with a black Y-shaped horn in males, used as a pry bar in battles with other males over feeding sites or mates. These beetles feed primarily on tree sap and fruits.
Distribution
This species is widespread from western to eastern equatorial Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda).
Habitat
Goliathus goliatus is mainly present in the equatorial forests and in the sub-equatorial savannah.
