Ox Beetles

Strategus

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Strategus: /ˈstræ.tɪ.ɡəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Strategus aloeus 4 sjh by Shawn Hanrahan. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.
Strategus antaeus 238401538 by Steven Joyner. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Strategus antaeus (Scarabaeidae) - (imago), Cape Cod (MA), United States by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Strategus antaeus 342759432 by naturedom12. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Strategus antaeus 248575656 by James (Jim) Duggan. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Strategus antaeus 232935341 by Arturo Santos. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Strategus aloeus, commonly known as the ox beetle, is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the Americas, exhibiting sexual dimorphism in horn development and ecological roles. Larvae are significant pests in gardens.

Physical Characteristics

Large scarabs, males with prominent horns. Major males have three large horns resembling Triceratops; minor males have small back horns and a short frontal horn. Females have a very short horn used for digging. Adults grow to about 1.0 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length without the horns.

Identification Tips

Look for males with prominent horns on thorax and the distinct coloration of the elytra.

Habitat

Commonly found in areas with flowers and fruit, as well as near lights in the summer months.

Distribution

Occurs in the southern United States but has higher populations in the Neotropical realm, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America.

Diet

Adult beetles feed on flowers and various fruits, while larvae feed on roots in the ground.

Life Cycle

Larvae take approximately four to six months to reach the pupal stage; pupal stage duration can be shortened by warmth in captivity.

Reproduction

Adults are active from May to November, with both males and females mating during this time.

Ecosystem Role

Larvae can be considered pests as they may damage lawns and gardens by feeding on roots.

Economic Impact

Larvae may harm gardens and lawns, contributing to their classification as pests in some contexts.

Collecting Methods

  • Light trapping
  • Hand collecting at flowers

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Alcohol preservation

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • beetle
  • rhinoceros beetle
  • Strategus aloeus
  • ox beetle
  • Coleoptera