Eastern Hercules Beetle

Dynastes tityus, the eastern Hercules beetle, is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the Eastern United States. The adult's elytra are green, gray or tan, with black markings, and the whole animal, including the male's horns, may reach 60 mm (2.4 in) in length. The larvae feed on decaying wood from various trees. Scientific Name: Dynastes tityus Range: Eastern United States Size: Up to 6 cm including horn Status: Native ID Notes: Mottled gray-green elytra with black spots. Males have a curved thoracic horn meeting a smaller head horn. Behavior / Notes: Largest beetle in eastern U.S. by mass. Larvae develop in decaying hardwood.