Wood-decomposers
Guides
Dynastinae
Rhinoceros beetles, Hercules beetles, unicorn beetles, horn beetles
Dynastinae is a subfamily of Scarabaeidae containing over 1,500 species across 225 genera, commonly known as rhinoceros beetles. Members are characterized by prominent horns on males of most species, used in combat for mating access. The subfamily includes some of the largest beetles, with species reaching over 15 cm in length. Despite their formidable appearance, they are harmless to humans.
Dynastini
True Rhinoceros Beetles
Dynastini is a tribe of large scarab beetles commonly known as true rhinoceros beetles. The group includes some of the largest and most iconic beetles in the world, with males typically bearing prominent horns on the head and pronotum used in combat. Notable genera include Dynastes (Hercules beetles), Megasoma, and Golofa. Members are primarily tropical and subtropical in distribution, with some species reaching temperate regions of North America.
Pterotermes
Pterotermes is a monotypic genus of drywood termites in the family Kalotermitidae, containing only Pterotermes occidentis. This primitive termite is the largest drywood termite in the southwestern United States deserts and exhibits the simple life cycle characteristic of its family, lacking a true worker caste. Colonies develop entirely within a single piece of timber, making it a cryptic inhabitant of dead desert wood.
Rutelini
shining leaf chafers
Rutelini is a tribe of scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers, distinguished by their often metallic or iridescent coloration. The tribe comprises approximately 14 genera and at least 40 described species, with notable genera including Chrysina (jewel scarabs), Pelidnota, and Macraspis. Members are primarily distributed in the New World tropics and subtropics. Many species exhibit striking structural coloration and have been subjects of taxonomic revision due to their morphological diversity and conservation interest.