![]() The horns in the beetles without the gene were 16% smaller than the horns on the beetles who could use the IGF pathway. To test this idea, the scientists disabled the gene that activated the IGF pathway in these beetles. IGFs are responsible for growth in most complex organisms, and their levels rely on nutrition. This is due to the fact that tissues in the horn are much more sensitive to insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) than elsewhere in the body. This is why the horn has evolved to be so important in mating displays. Only the males have the horns, which are used in fights between rival males and sometimes for digging underground.Īccording to a study published in the journal Science, the length of the horn is directly related to the state of nutrition experienced by the male beetle while growing up. The horn-like appendage is undoubtedly the most conspicuous physical characteristic of rhinoceros beetles and is the source of their name. This is a warning sign if the beetle is persistently disturbed. Some rhino beetles can produce a hissing sound by rubbing their front wings against their abdomens. For this reason, they stay under logs or in the dark undergrowth to keep away from their few predators. Because of their size, most rhinoceros beetles are not good fliers, and instead, rely on camouflage to stay safe. As mentioned before, their front wings form a protective covering for their rear wings. Rhino beetles are covered in a hard sheath. These beetles are also exceptionally strong, with the Hercules beetle having been observed to lift 850 times its own body weight. The beetles will still obtain all the necessary nutrients they require from the jellies and have many benefits including their long shelf life and the fact they do not attract fruit flies.Many rhinoceros beetles are more than 3-4 inches long, and can weigh up to 30-40 grams. Adult Rhino Beetles naturally feed on fruit and tree sap however in captivity it is commonly accepted to feed your adult beetles solely on beetle jellies. To make things simple we also offer a ProRep Rhino Beetle Rearing Kit which is suitable for both raising larvae and keeping small adults singular. Climbing furnishings can be added to the terrarium along with live moss. When considering a terrarium remember that you need to provide a substrate depth of 20cm or more and with an optimum substrate mix of ProRep Beetle Grub (Type 1) and (Type 2) in the ratio of 2:1. Humidity needs to be maintained around 70-80% but remember that you are looking to keep a damp but not wet substrate.Īdult Rhino Beetles can be housed in suitable plastic or glass terrariums either singular, in pairs or in sexed groups. Heat mats should not be used with Rhino Beetles as they naturally bury themselves into the cool ground to escape heat and secondly it will also lead to the desiccation of the substrate. Temperatures should be kept within the range of 20-25 ☌ for most species. However natural daylight entering into the room where your animals are kept is advisable to provide a natural photoperiod. Rhino Beetles are nocturnal animals and do not require any special heating/lighting equipment. There is also one species found in Europe (Oryctes nasicornis). Rhino Beetles are found throughout Central, South America, South Asia and Africa. Female Rhino Beetles are usually smaller bodied than males.Īdult Rhino Beetles bodies are ordinarily a muted colouration of black, brown, green or red however there are some colourful exceptions such as (Dynastes granti) or ( Eupatorus gracilicorni). These are commonly used in territory disputes with other males over mating sites or food. Rhino Beetles are sexually dimorphic with males having characteristic horns. There are over 300 known species of Rhinoceros Beetles or Dynastinae with the biggest ones reaching lengths of up to 17cm, however this size is rare among captive specimens. ![]()
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