Strategus splendens
(Palisot de Beauvois, 1809)
Splendid Ox Beetle
Strategus splendens is a large scarab beetle commonly known as the Splendid Ox Beetle. It belongs to the rhinoceros beetle Dynastinae, characterized by prominent horns in males. The occurs in the southeastern United States, where it has been documented in sandy and associated with oak woodlands. are attracted to lights and are active during summer months.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Strategus splendens: /ˈstra.te.ɡus ˈsplɛn.dɛns/
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Habitat
Sandy areas and oak woodlands in the southeastern United States.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Seasonality
Summer activity period; have been collected in July and August.
Behavior
are attracted to ultraviolet and mercury vapor lights.
Similar Taxa
- Strategus aloeusAlso in Strategus with similar large body size and horn development in males; distinguished by specific horn and geographic range (more widespread in eastern North America)
- Strategus cessusConvergent in general body plan and light attraction ; distinguished by geographic distribution and subtle differences in pronotal and cephalic horn structure