Body
Jumbo Jets
Despite being one of Missouri’s heaviest insects, Hercules beetles can fly. They’re sometimes found near porch lights on summer nights.
Pushy, Pushy!
Males use their rhinoceros-like horns to fight each other. The strongest, pushiest beetle gets more girlfriends.
One Beefy Beetle
Hercules beetles are Missouri’s biggest beetle. Males can grow up to 2½ inches long.
Grub for Grubs
Mama beetles lay dozens of eggs near decaying trees and logs. Baby beetles, called grubs, recycle rotting wood by eating it.
Super Strong
A Hercules beetle can carry more than 100 times its weight. If you were that strong, you could easily pick up a pickup.
Image
Credit
MDC
Right to Use
Photo by MDC, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Image
Credit
MDC
Right to Use
Photo by MDC, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Image
Image
Also In This Issue
Media
Body
Join us for a tour of Missouri’s littlest lizards.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Artist – Matt Byrde
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber