Goliathus: Difference between revisions
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== Life cycle == |
== Life cycle == |
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metamorphosis ([[pupation]]) to the adult state. Once building of this [[Pupa#Cocoon|cocoon]] is completed, the larva transforms to |
metamorphosis ([[pupation]]) to the adult state. Once building of this [[Pupa#Cocoon|cocoon]] is completed, the larva transforms to a Butterfly |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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Revision as of 20:57, 9 November 2011
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2011) |
| Goliathus | |
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| Goliathus regius | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | hellow
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| Family: | |
| Subfamily: | |
| Genus: | Goliathusdd |
| Species | |
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The Goliath beetles (named after the biblical giant Goliath) are among the largest insects on Earth, if measured in terms of size, bulk and weight. They are members of subfamily Cetoniinae, within the family Scarabaeidae. Goliath beetles can be found in many of Africa's tropical forests, where they feed primarily on tree sap and fruit. Little appears to be known of the larval cycle in the wild, but in captivity, Goliathus beetles have been successfully reared from egg to adult using protein-rich foods such as commercial cat and dog food. Goliath beetles measure from 60–110 millimetres (2.4–4.3 in) for males and 50–80 millimetres (2.0–3.1 in) for females, as adults, and can reach weights of up to 80–100 grams (2.8–3.5 oz) in the larval stage, though the adults are only about half this weight. The females range from a dark brown to silky white, but the males are normally brown/white/black or black/white.
Habitat
All Goliathus species are native to Africa. They are primarily tropical, although one species, G. albosignatus, is localized in the more temperate southeastern portion of Africa. It is in the continent's equatorial rain forests that the Goliath beetles have reached their greatest diversity. It is also the strongest animal in the world with the rhinoceros beetle, as they can carry 850 times their own weight. In Africa, kids will tie rope around them and walk them like dogs.
Life cycle
metamorphosis (pupation) to the adult state. Once building of this cocoon is completed, the larva transforms to a Butterfly
Description
Goliath beetles, like almost all other beetles, possess a reinforced first pair of wings (called elytra) which act as protective covers for their secondary pair of wings and abdomen. Only the second pair of wings (which are large and membranous) are actually used for flying. When not in use, they are kept completely folded beneath the elytra. Each of the beetle's legs ends in a pair of sharp claws (called tarsi) which provide a strong grip useful for climbing on tree trunks and branches. Males have a Y-shaped horn on the head which is used as a pry bar in battles with other males over feeding sites or mates. Females are without a horn, and instead have a wedge-shaped head which assists in burrowing when they lay eggs. Apart from their massive size, Goliathus beetles are strikingly patterned as well. Prominent markings common to all of the Goliathus species are the sharply contrasting black vertical stripes on the pronotum (thoracic shield).
See also
References
- Gilbert Lachaume: The Beetles of the World, volume 3, Goliathini 1, 1983, Sciences Nat, Venette. [1]
External links
