Goliathus goliatus - female
"Goliath Beetle"
Family: Scarabaeidae

The Goliath beetle is one of the largest insects in the world, and is one of the heaviest flying insects. They have been known to grow up to 13 cm (5 inches) and can weigh up to 100 grams (3.5 ounces). It has even been reported that children keep them as pets because they are so large. Currently there are 5 known species of the Goliath beetle. All of these gigantic beetles are native to Africa. Four of the species prefer the tropical rainforests around the equator, with only one found in the temperate zone.

The female Goliath beetle lays her eggs on rotting wood. When the larvae hatch they feed on this dead wood. By feeding on dead plants they are recycling this material by returning the nutrients to the soil. The larvae also feed on other insects; it is unusual for larvae of any kind to do this. After spending a few months in the larval stage, where they grow to 15.25 cm (6 inches) in length, the larva spins a cocoon where it will spend many months while it is in the pupal stage. Complete metamorphosis takes place and the adult beetle breaks out of the cocoon. Adult beetles usually have patterns of black and white, but some of them are marked with yellow and brown.

As adults, the beetles have real sweet tooth and will eat anything sugary, but prefer fruit and sap from trees. The adults live only a few months. The Goliath beetle is an important part of the rainforest and is truly a beautiful and interesting specimen.

Katherine Ellingson
ENT 301, Fall 2000