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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Tree sap
- Rotting fruit
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Monkeys
- Arboreal snakes
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat fragmentation, and localized over-collection
HabitatsTropical rainforests and wet deciduous forests
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyScarabaeidae
- SpeciesGoliathus goliatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses extremely strong claws and powerful mandibles; handle with care to avoid painful pinches.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Distant Cousin (c) TOUROULT Julien, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by TOUROULT Julien · cc-by
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