Rhinoceros Beetle Life Cycle

The rhinoceros beetle got its name from the distinctive, large "horn" on the head of male beetles, which resembles a rhinoceros horn. Rhinoceros beetles are well-known for their incredible strength once they become adults, but these beetles start off as vulnerable larvae and complete a life cycle just like other insects.

  1. Rhinoceros Beetle Classification and Types

    • The rhinoceros beetle belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, under the family Scarabaeidae, which is the classification for scarab beetles. Of the many types of rhinoceros beetles in the world, some of most popular are the Atlas beetle, the Hercules beetle, the Unicorn beetle and the Japanese rhinoceros beetle. All these beetles have different life spans but their life cycles are similar.

    The Egg and Larvae Stage of the Rhinoceros Beetle

    • After mating, the female rhinoceros beetle lays up to 50 white eggs underground. These eggs remain in incubation between three and four months before hatching. The larvae, or grubs, resemble small, white caterpillars. They feed on rotting wood and compost. Rhinoceros beetles spend most of their life cycle as larvae. This stage of the beetle's life can last between six months and two years.

    The Larvae Becomes a Pupa

    • The rhinoceros beetle next transforms into a pupa. In this stage, the beetle becomes dormant as it enters three periods of molting, called instars. During each instar, the beetle sheds its outer skin and prepares for the exoskeleton that will protect its body. The pupa becomes a darker color as it assumes the final color of its exoskeleton.

    The Adult Rhinoceros Beetle Emerges

    • After about one to two months, the pupa finally emerges as an adult rhinoceros beetle. Although many types of rhinoceros beetles exist, the male beetles all have hornlike protrusions on their heads. Females look plain by comparison and are less frequently noticed. After reaching adulthood, the rhinoceros beetle can live anywhere between a few weeks to approximately six months. The main objective of the beetle in this stage is to reproduce and begin the life cycle again.

    Special Characteristics in Rhinoceros Beetles

    • In adult form, the rhinoceros beetle is known for being the strongest animal on Earth proportionate to its body size. Rhinoceros beetles are popular pets in Japan. Some owners enter their male beetles in fights on which people gamble. The life cycle of the rhinoceros beetle presents a long-term challenge to people who enjoy raising them as exotic pets or for profit.