Five Largest Known Beetle Species

Goliath Beetle
Photo by H. Zell

Beetles are insects that can be found virtually everywhere on the planet. They make up a huge portion of all living creatures on Earth. In fact, they account for roughly one-fifth of all species. Most of us know them as relatively small and harmless insects. However, there are beetles that grow rather large. These large beetles are still mostly harmless, but they sure are frightful, if bugs the size of your hand freak you out. Listed here are the five of the largest beetle species in the world, according to length. They are not only the largest beetles, but they are among the largest insects, as well.

Five Largest Beetle Species #5: Acteon Beetle (Megasoma acteon)

The Acteon Beetle can be found in parts of the Amazon region of South America. They can grow to be up to 3 ½ inches long. However, there are some sources that claim they can grow to be up to 5 ½ inches in length.

Five Largest Beetle Species #4: Goliath Beetles

Goliath Beetles are often said to be the largest insects in the world, however, if you are using length to determine size than they are not even the largest of the beetles. Goliath Beetles are native to Africa. The largest of the Goliath Beetle species can grow to be around 4 ½ inches long.

Five Largest Beetle Species #3: Great Fijian Longhorn Beetle (Xixuthrush eros)

The Great Fijian Longhorn Beetle can grow to be up to 5 9/10 inches long. They are found on some of the Fijian Islands. They are rare and are sought after by locals as food. Apparently, Fijian Longhorn Beetles are a delicacy there.

Five Largest Beetle Species #2: South American Longhorn Beetle (Titanus gigantus)

The South American Longhorn Beetle may grow to be more than 6 inches in length. They can be found in various parts of the South American Amazon. These beetles have very strong mandibles and so humans should be wary of their bites.

Five Largest Beetle Species #1: Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus)

The Hercules Beetle is noticeable for its formidable mandibles and great size. These beetles are native to the rainforests of Central and South America. They can grow to be around 6 ¾ inches in length.

These are only five species of the roughly 350,000 known species of beetle on this planet. Some of these insects are rather rare and elusive, so it is almost impossible to tell whether there are bigger species out there on the verge of extinction. Of all the known insect species on Earth, roughly 40% are beetles, so it is safe to say that there are beetles out there just waiting to be discovered. Who knows what frighteningly huge insects scientists will be finding in the future?

Sources

Dehkan, Cyrus, The Goliath Beetle, retrieved 3/23/10, insects.suite101/com/article.cfm/the_goliath_beetle

Giant Fijian Longhorn Beetle, retrieved 3/23/10, naturefiji.org/end species.php?info=Great%20Fijian%20Longhorn%20Beetle

Hercules Beetle, retrieved 3/23/10, natural works.org/scarabaeidae/species/Dynastes-Hercules.htm

What is the World’s Biggest Insect?, retrieved 3/23/10, wisegeek.com/what-is-the-worlds-biggest-insect.htm

Beetles, retrieved 3/23/10, waynesword.palomar.edu/ww/0502.htm