Hercules Beetle Identification: Male vs. Female and Fascinating Behaviors

Identifying the Hercules Beetle

A homeowner in Carroll County brought home a large beetle found at a convenience store, wondering what it was. The insect is a female Hercules beetle (Dynastes tityus). Sexing these beetles is straightforward: males sport a prominent horn projecting from the head, while females lack this feature entirely.

Habits and Habitat

Adult Hercules beetles are nocturnal fliers often attracted to lights. Their diet in the wild remains somewhat mysterious, but they are frequently seen around lamp posts at night. One memorable encounter occurred when a beetle flew through open church windows during a revival meeting, clanging into a light fixture and causing such a commotion that the preacher's sermon was completely upstaged.

Life Stages

The Hercules beetle undergoes complete metamorphosis. Below are images of each stage:

Female adult

Male adult

Grub (larva)

Pupae

Further Reading

For more information, see resources on Kentucky Hercules Beetles and the Study of Northern Virginia Ecology.