Dynastes neptunus is a beetle in the family Scarabaeidae.[1] D. neptunus is very similar to the Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) but differs from it in slightly larger size and more of a slender and curved horns.[2]
| Dynastes neptunus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Male (left) and female | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Scarabaeidae |
| Genus: | Dynastes |
| Species: | D. neptunus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dynastes neptunus Quensel, 1805
| |
Description edit
D. neptunus is 12 to 15.5 cm (4.7 to 6.1 inches) long[3] with a black body. Sexual dimorphism is present in the species; for example, males having large ''horns'' on their heads and are much smoother than females. This species is similar to the hercules beetle but is larger and has slender, curved horns.[2]
Distribution edit
This species lives in the northwestern regions of South America in the countries of Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela.[4]
Diet edit
Larvae feed on decaying, rotten wood and adults will eat fruit.[4]
References edit
- ^ "Dynastes neptunus - Care Sheet". Richard's Inverts. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ a b "Family Scarabaeidae - Dynastes neptunus". www.naturalworlds.org. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
- ^ "Dynastes neptunus - Zhao Li". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
- ^ a b "Generic Guide to New World Scarab Beetles-Scarabaeidae-Dynastinae-Dynastini-Dynastes". unsm-ento.unl.edu. Retrieved 2023-06-02.