Spanish rhinoceros beetle

Appearance

19-36 mm. Solid, shiny, heavy beetle, ♂ has a distinctive horn at the head. The horn on the ♀ is smaller or completely absent. All legs have a clearly visible spur. The front legs have a kind of blades that are used to dig. The back shield has a striped pattern of very small dents.

Distribution

It is found in southern Western Europe; Josiah; Central Asia; Japan and Southwest Australia.

Habitat

Pasture ecosystems.

Reproduction

To support the offspring manure balls are made by both genders that provide a safe den. An egg is laid and fertilized on them on each manure ball. After that the ♂ leaves, but the ♀ stays with the eggs to defend them. The size of the horn is determined by the amount of food of the larva.