![]() ![]() The body coloration of Dynastes hyllus is typically yelloiwsh to brownish where it is white to grayish-white in Dynastes grantii. ĭynastes grantii is very similar morphologically to Dynastes hyllus, with differentiation between species often only possible through examination of geographic origin. Some scientists believe that the two beetles are actually subspecies given the similarities of the male genitalia. Despite differences in geographic origin and morphology, namely horn length and coloration of the elytra, Dynastes tityus and Dynastes grantii are very similar and it is possible for the two species to produce hybrids. Similar species ĭynastes grantii belongs to the White Hercules beetle linage which includes five allopatrically distributed North American and Central American taxa, including Dynastes hyllus, Dynastes maya, Dynastes moroni, and Dynastes tityus. The beetles strip the bark from small branches and feed on the sap produced by the exposed cambium. Feeding Habits Īdults have been documented feeding on the cambium of ash trees. This species typically inhabits highland forest habitats, at or above 1600m ASL. Populations of Dynastes grantii may be found in southern Utah, Arizona, western New Mexico of the United States, and parts of Northern Mexico. After mating the female oviposits over 100 eggs. In captivity, the adults may live up to nine months. Adults emerge from the pupal chamber between the months of August through October and typically live between two and four months in the wild. ![]() The time from egg to pupal eclosion is estimated to take approximately two years. Like other Hercules beetle species, Dynastes grantii undergoes a six-stage life cycle from egg to adult, with three larval instars and a single pupal stage. ![]() ĭynastes grantii is sexually dimorphic, with the females lacking the characteristic horns of the male. At high humidity levels, the elytra may appear black. Coloration of the elytra varies from white to grayish-white, often with irregular black spots of various size and number. This species is known for its grayish-white elytra, large size, and characteristic horn of the adult males.Īdult body sizes of both sexes vary from 35 to 60mm (apex of elytra to apex of thoracic horn), with captive-reared individuals reaching up to 80mm. The western Hercules beetle ( Dynastes grantii, often misspelled as " granti") is a species of rhinoceros beetle that lives in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and parts of northern Mexico. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |