Horn-combat

Guides

• Ceratophyus

  earth-boring scarab beetles

  Ceratophyus is a genus of earth-boring scarab beetles comprising approximately 13 described species. These beetles are known for constructing underground brood chambers using dung, with documented cooperative nest-building behavior between males and females in at least one species. The genus occurs across the Palaearctic region, with species documented in Russia, China, and Mongolia. Some species possess horns used in intraspecific combat.

  Geotrupidaedung-beetleearth-boring-scarabPalaearcticnest-constructionhorn-combatphoresy-host

• Dynastes tityus

  Eastern Hercules beetle, elephant beetle, ox beetle

  Dynastes tityus, the eastern Hercules beetle, is among the largest and heaviest beetles in the United States. Males possess prominent thoracic and cephalic horns used in combat with rival males for access to mates. The species exhibits remarkable humidity-dependent color change in its elytra, shifting from green-gray-tan to deep brown when moisture is absorbed. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights. The complete life cycle may extend up to three years in the wild, with larvae developing in decaying wood within tree cavities.

  ColeopteraScarabaeidaeDynastinaeDynasteseastern-Hercules-beetlerhinoceros-beetleNorth-AmericaUnited-Statessaproxylichorn-combatcolor-changebiomimicry