Goliath beetle

Goliath beetle

Goliath beetle

Common Name: Goliath beetle

Scientific Name: Goliathus sp.

Distribution: It is found in tropical rainforests of Africa

Description: The Goliath beetle is among the largest beetles on earth in terms of both length and weight. The adult male is about 60-110 mm long and the female is about 50-58 mm long. Most of the goliath beetles are beautifully patterned with black colour on white body. The legs are black and each leg has a pair of sharp claws that makes strong grip when climbing trees like most other beetles. The goliath beetles have a pair of reinforced first pair of wings that actually protects the second pair of wings and the soft abdomen. The secondary pair of wings are thin and are used for flying. When not in use, they are folded inside the first pair of wings. The male has a long horn on its head that is used in fight with other males. The female lacks the horn.

Habit: In the wild, goliath beetles feed on tree sap and fruits, but in captivity they also eat dog and cat food.

Importance: Like all beetles, it is also a key component in the workings of the biosphere by playing an important role as nutrient recyclers returning organic matter through multitrophic interactions, which contribute to soil fertility. They are also used for a blood-sport called ‘insect fighting’ in many Asian countries.