insect · GBIF taxon 1076779
Goliath Beetle
Goliathus goliatusAlso known as Giant Goliath Beetle, Common Goliath Beetle
Goliath beetles are among the largest and heaviest insects on Earth, inhabiting the high canopy of equatorial African rainforests. Males sport a prominent, Y-shaped head horn used to joust with rivals over sap flows and mating rights, while females possess wedge-shaped heads adapted for burrowing into soil to lay eggs. Their striking black-and-white patterns provide surprisingly effective camouflage amidst the dappled light of the forest canopy.
GiantDiurnalRainforest
Licensed reference(c) Anagoria, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Tree sap, fermenting fruit, and decaying organic matter
- family
- Scarabaeidae
- threats
- Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and localized over-collection
- life Span
- 1 to 2 years
NE
Possesses extremely strong claws and powerful mandibles; handle with care to avoid painful pinches.
- Listen for flight: Listen for a loud, deep buzzing sound resembling a small helicopter when they fly.
- Observe at sap flows: Look for adults feeding on oozing tree sap or fallen, fermenting fruit.
- Handle with caution: Avoid letting them grip bare skin, as their sharp claws hold on tenaciously.