Atlas beetle

Description

The Atlas beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) is a very large species of beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, found in Southeast Asia. Males have three prominent horns. The species is named for Atlas, the giant of Greek mythology who supported the skies. Chalcosoma atlas, like other beetles of the genus Chalcosoma, is remarkable for its size. As is common in the Scarabaeidae, males are larger than the females, reaching a length of about 60–120 millimetres (2.4–4.7 in); females are about 25–60 millimetres (0.98–2.36 in). Males have specialised horns on their head and thorax that they use to fight with each other, to gain mating rights with females. The Atlas beetle differs from other Chalcosoma species (such as C. caucasus) by the broader end of the cephalic (head) horn. The larva of the Atlas beetle is known for its fierce behavior, including biting if touched. Unverified reports exist of larvae that live together fighting to the death if they have insufficient space or food. Chalcosoma atlas is found in Southeast Asia. The species is the host of a parasitoid, the giant scoliid wasp Megascolia procer, which has a paralysing venom. Chalcosoma is a genus of Southeast Asian rhinoceros beetles. They are known as three horned rhinoceros beetles for their trident like horn. They are endemic to Southeast Asia.