Identifying the Goliath Beetle
In the insect family, the first actual beetles appeared on earth about 300 million years ago, and they have been evolving ever since. The Goliath beetle belongs to the scarab family, which has more than 30,000 species alone. The Goliath Beetle is one of the heaviest and largest beetles in the world today. This giant beetle, mostly found in warm African climates, is relatively easy to identify due to it distinct size and other define features.
Morphology
The Goliath Beetle can grow to be up to four and a half inches long, and is by far the longest insect. Unlike the Rhinoceros beetle, the male Goliath only has small Y shaped horns on their heads, which is used like a pry bar when battling with other males over feeding areas or mates. Females lack a horn, and instead are equipped with a wedge-shaped head, which they use for digging and burrowing when they lay their eggs. They have long legs that end with a pair of sharp claws, called tarsi, which give the Goliath a strong grip when climbing tree trunks and branches.
Color
While most are black and white with beautiful patterns, many species vary into brown and yellow colors. Many females have colors that range from dark brown to a milky white, but most males are brown, black or white.
Habitat
The Goliath beetle lives predominately in warmer climates, like Africa's tropical forest. They prefer dead plant matter, sap, fruit, sugary glucose, and dung. The goliath can use its sharp claws to cut and penetrate vines and stems to access their sap. Goliath beetles often climb trees to access fruits, and can fly down with their large wings. They are incredibly strong and can transport many times their weight on their backs.
