Chalcosoma
caucasus
Range: Southeast Asia,
especially Malaysia
Size: 90 - 120 mm
Chalcosoma caucasus,
popularly known as the "Atlas beetle", is one of the largest
insects on Earth. Males often measure up to an impressive 120
mm (4.75 inches) in length. This particular species is the largest
of the genus, which contains two other species, C. atlas and C.
mollenkampi. Like those of most other members of the scarab
subfamily Dynastinae, the larvae of Chalcosoma feed primarily on the rich
compost which forms within decaying logs and stumps. Only the males
have enormous, curved horns. The female is far smaller, possesses
a fine covering of tiny hairs (called "setae"), and is without horns. |