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One notable species of Costa Rican beetle is the spectacular Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules),
also known as the rhinoceros beetle.  Known for the long up-ward
curving “horns” of the male and its length of up to 6.75 inches (more
than half of this may be its horns), it is native to Central and South
America and is said to be the “strongest creature on earth for its
size, able to carry 850 times its own body weight” (Wikipedia). And,
they do so with such energy efficiency, that it baffles scientists.
“The
larval stage of the Hercules beetle will last one to two years, with
the larva growing up to 4.5 inches (110 mm) in length and weighing up
to 120 grams. Much of the life of the larva is spent tunneling through
its primary food source of rotting wood. After the larval period,
transformation into a pupa and then molting will occur, the beetle then
emerging as an adult. Adults will roam the forest floor in search of
decaying fruit.” (Wikipedia)
In spite of their fierce
appearance, Hercules beetles are totally harmless to humans: they
cannot bite, sting or hurt you with their horns. The male beetles use
their horns as levers, jousting with opponents to gain access to
females or food. They are generally slow moving, non-aggressive
insects.
It is very important to protect this insect's natural
habitat from destruction, otherwise this amazing species, and many
others, will have no place to live. To survive, they require old
growth rain forests containing large decaying logs. They are important
to the ecosystem because they help recycle plant material. They do not
make great pets, contrary to what some web sites may imply, and are
best left to live in their native environment in the forests.
Collection of any natural materials--animals, plants, rocks, shells, etc.--is strictly forbidden within
Costa Rica's national parks, reserves and other protected areas. If
everyone who visited Costa Rica collected things, there would be
nothing left.
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