Goliathus orientalis

Appearance

''Goliathus orientalis'' is one of the largest species of the genus ''Goliathus'', with a body length of about 50–100 millimetres in males, of about 50–65 millimetres in females.

The body is broad and flat. Elytra are whitish with a complex pattern of black markings usually in the form of black rings. Pronotum usually shows large black longitudinal stripes or a large black area. This usual pattern may differ greatly in the subspecies. The head bears a black Y-shaped horn in males, used in battles with other males. Legs are long, powerful, black. Despite its large body, these beetles fly well. They have a large and membranous secondary pair of wings. When not in use, these wings are kept completely folded beneath the elytra. These beetles feed primarily on tree sap and fruits.

Naming

* ''G. orientalis orientalis'' Moser, 1909
⤷  ''G. orientalis usambarensis'' Preiss, 1933

Distribution

This species is present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania., Angola, and Zambia. It can be found in the savannah, in shady areas with trees. It can also be found sipping sap from certain trees in groups of 3 or more.

Behavior

The larvae live in the soil and need a protein-rich diet, because they grow very quickly. Even under optimum conditions, the larvae take about 4 months to mature fully, which corresponds to the duration of the rainy season. Larvae can reach a length of about 130 millimetres and a weight of about 100 grams . When maximum size is reached, the larva constructs a pupal chamber in which it will undergo metamorphosis to the adult state. In this stage they spend most of the dry season, and the adult does not emerge before the rainy season.

Habitat

This species is present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania., Angola, and Zambia. It can be found in the savannah, in shady areas with trees. It can also be found sipping sap from certain trees in groups of 3 or more.