This beetle is called a goliath because of its gigantic size. Inhabitant of Central and Southeast Africa, a goliath beetle and indeed a gigantic size. The length of the body reaches 100-110 mm, the width is 60 mm, and the weight of this insect is even more impressive. Males can weigh up to 100 grams, females are much smaller and lighter.
Due to this significant weight, the goliath beetle claims to be the heaviest insect on the planet. Despite its menacing size, it eats plant foods: tree juices, overripe fruits, juicy leaves. African goliath beetle belongs to the Bronze family and is a close relative of the well-known May beetle. He is not aggressive, but very strong, it is difficult to hold in his hand.
The goliath beetle spends all its time under the bark of trees. Huge sizes often give out a bug and are not at all a virtue of adults. With bright colors and huge wings, the goliath becomes very noticeable. On top of that, the insect is very slow, and it takes a long time to take off.
There are individuals of completely different colors. Nature tried and endowed with the peculiar beauty of a goliath. Elytra usually painted in black and white stripes of various shapes. They are rarely repeated even in representatives of the same species. The ratio of black and white areas is very variable and depends on the temperature conditions and humidity of the region. In addition, the dark stripes are velvety, and the white ones are glossy. Velvety villi help the beetle more easily tolerate heat, and white reflects direct sunlight. These unique patterns are a collector's desire.
Goliath beetle descends from trees during the mating period. Horn-shaped outgrowths on the head of an insect serve as a weapon in the fight for the female, as well as in defending the right to the territory. In females, such horns have a different shape and are used as a shovel for the construction of cradles for eggs. After fertilization, the female lays eggs in the ground. She digs the ground with a special shield located on her head. This helps her securely hide her future offspring. Immediately after the mission, the female returns to the tree.
Under the ground, the larvae of beetles will stay 6 months. There they will grow, eating plant debris, humus, manure, rotten roots, as well as eating other larvae. Cannibalism often comes from a lack of nutrition during rapid growth, because the adult larva also reaches large sizes - up to 150 mm.
Larvae pupate in the ground and go outside already formed and ready for a new life in the crown of trees. Despite its weight, beetles fly actively in the forests of tropical Africa. At the same time, the noise emitted by the wings resembles the crackling of a toy helicopter. Habitats are found in the jungles of New Guinea, Equatorial and Southeast Africa. Even huge populations do not harm humans. But, nevertheless, beetles are actively caught and resold in private collections. The impressive size, attractive colors and exotic appearance of the insect make the goliath a valuable and desirable exhibit for museums and individuals.
