Triceratops Beetle
Phileurus truncatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
- Family: Scarabaeidae
- Subfamily: Dynastinae
- Tribe: Phileurini
- Genus: Phileurus
- Species: truncatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phileurus truncatus: /fəˈlɪərəs trʌŋˈkeɪtəs/
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Summary
Phileurus truncatus, commonly known as the Triceratops Beetle, is a species of beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, distinguished by its large horns and size, ranging from 32 to 38 millimeters.
Physical Characteristics
Body length, 32-38 millimeters. Both adult males and females have large and distinct horns on the head.
Identification Tips
Look for large horns on the head of both males and females to differentiate them from other beetles.
Habitat
Woodlands.
Distribution
Virginia to Florida, west to Tennessee and southeastern Arizona; also extends into South America.
Diet
Adults may take fruit and meat in captivity and can also feed on other insects; larvae are typically found in rotten logs, especially oak.
Life Cycle
Adults can live up to two years in captivity; observed activity from April to September in South Carolina and July to September in North Carolina.
Ecosystem Role
Adults have been reported causing cabin fires by coming down chimneys, presumably attracted to fireplace smoke, spreading embers, and feeding on other insects as larvae.
Tags
- Phileurus truncatus
- Triceratops Beetle
- Scarabaeidae
- Dynastinae
- Insecta
- Coleoptera