Post by trehopr1 on Apr 13, 2020 8:47:35 GMT
In this photo I have placed both of our native Dynastes alongside each other. These are the largest extent species of beetle present here in the U.S.
The Western Hercules beetle (Dynastes grantii) is on the left. The Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus) is on the right. This photograph turned out quite well (for a change) in that it captures the differing colors of my 2 specimens quite accurately. Although both species due exhibit some measure of color variation.
The Western species (grantii) is primarily found in Arizona and parts of Utah in August or September (some years); depending I believe on the rains...
The Eastern (tityus) is much more widespread in that it may be found in all of the Southern states of the U.S.; as well as the very southern portions of Illinois, Indiana etc. (where remaining stands of old growth forest may be found).
Though I cannot say much regarding the longevity of the Western species; I do know from experience that the Eastern species begins to appear about mid-June and it continues to gradually emerge for the next 2 months (until mid-August). Females are more often found than the males. Males are absolute "prizes" beyond compare for any collector lucky enough to encounter one or two.
You do have to have a sharp eye and be "fleet of foot" when in an area these beetles reside. Despite, their large size these fellows due fly surprisingly well. I can also tell you that very bold (thieving) raccoons have robbed me of a couple prize males as they "skirted" the perimeter of the lighted area waiting for large insect morsels to hit the ground. They literally race-in and snatch up the prize before them and run off onto the woods !
The Western Hercules in the picture is a pretty typical sized male at 68mm. Larger (natural/un-bred) specimens do reach into the high 70's mm range (possibly very low 80's).
The Eastern Hercules pictured is pretty much at the apex in size for the species -- at 60mm. Though this specimen is not one I captured; I do have one male I did capture which rivals it in size at 60mm also...
These beetles are simply a "delight" to keep alive for a while... They are incredibly strong and they love feeding on peach slices or half a peach (which lasts a few days).
Of note: The fascial horn of my Dynastes granti has a bit of a turn to the right (deformity) to it. In most cases, this horn is straight but, this anomaly only adds character to my specimen !
The Western Hercules beetle (Dynastes grantii) is on the left. The Eastern Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus) is on the right. This photograph turned out quite well (for a change) in that it captures the differing colors of my 2 specimens quite accurately. Although both species due exhibit some measure of color variation.
The Western species (grantii) is primarily found in Arizona and parts of Utah in August or September (some years); depending I believe on the rains...
The Eastern (tityus) is much more widespread in that it may be found in all of the Southern states of the U.S.; as well as the very southern portions of Illinois, Indiana etc. (where remaining stands of old growth forest may be found).
Though I cannot say much regarding the longevity of the Western species; I do know from experience that the Eastern species begins to appear about mid-June and it continues to gradually emerge for the next 2 months (until mid-August). Females are more often found than the males. Males are absolute "prizes" beyond compare for any collector lucky enough to encounter one or two.
You do have to have a sharp eye and be "fleet of foot" when in an area these beetles reside. Despite, their large size these fellows due fly surprisingly well. I can also tell you that very bold (thieving) raccoons have robbed me of a couple prize males as they "skirted" the perimeter of the lighted area waiting for large insect morsels to hit the ground. They literally race-in and snatch up the prize before them and run off onto the woods !
The Western Hercules in the picture is a pretty typical sized male at 68mm. Larger (natural/un-bred) specimens do reach into the high 70's mm range (possibly very low 80's).
The Eastern Hercules pictured is pretty much at the apex in size for the species -- at 60mm. Though this specimen is not one I captured; I do have one male I did capture which rivals it in size at 60mm also...
These beetles are simply a "delight" to keep alive for a while... They are incredibly strong and they love feeding on peach slices or half a peach (which lasts a few days).
Of note: The fascial horn of my Dynastes granti has a bit of a turn to the right (deformity) to it. In most cases, this horn is straight but, this anomaly only adds character to my specimen !
