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Augosoma centaurus
Range:  western equatorial Africa
Size:  60 - 90 mm

Augosoma centaurus is a large rhinoceros beetle from western equatorial Africa. Augosoma is interesting in that its adult morphology much resembles that of the Dynastes genus of the American tropics, and was in fact formerly classified as a member of that genus.  The Xylotrupes genus of the southeast Asian tropics has a similar body form as well.

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This is a nearly mature 3rd instar larva of Augosoma centaurus.  The dark row of spots which can clearly been seen along the side of its body are the spiracles, the openings which lead to the insect's tracheal network.  This network of tiny tubes is the insect equivalent of the vertebrate lung, and thus the spiracles could be called the insect version of nostrils.  In the adult beetle, the spiracles are also located along the sides of the abdomen, but they have no distinct coloration, and are not especially noticeable.
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Augosoma centaurus larva - Image © R. Reed

 
A. centaurus larvae - Image © R. Reed
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A group of 3rd instar larvae.  Augosoma is rather easy to rear in captivity, and will do well if given a variety of foods, especially a high content of decaying wood and leaves, along with some protein and chopped root vegetables such as carrots.  Their basic care is essentially the same as that of other species of dynastine scarab beetles. 
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A. centaurus (male) - Image © C. Campbell

 
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Adult male A. centaurus
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A. centaurus (female) - Image © C. Campbell

 
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Adult female A. centaurus
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