Which is the world's longest beetle? The most widely distributed members of the animal world are the beetles. There are more than 250,000 species, flourishing in every climate from the icy regions of the Arctic to the arid wastes of the Sahara Desert. The biggest members of this enormous family are the fearsomelooking Herculus beetles, Dynastes hercules. Only one beetle - the goliath beetle of South Africa - is larger in terms of total body size, none is longer Named after Hercules, the mythical strongman of the Ancient Greeks, these creatures are found in the hot, steamy jungles of South America, where they can grow 6.7 inches (17 cm) long - almost as long as a man's hand. Up to one half of the male Hercules beetle's length is taken by its murderous horns. The reason for this is still a mystery to scientists. It was thought that beetles with the largest horns attracted the most females ensuring the survival of the species, but since beetles with shorter horns are now known to attract an equal number of females, this theory is not valid. In fact, the horns are only used during courtship, when two males will lock horns in a trial of strength to determine which shall win the affections of the female. These battles can appear quite savage, with one beetle catching the other in a pincer-like grip and hurling it bodily aside. Thanks to their impressive body armour little or no real damage is done. Like the "horns" on a stag beetle (which are in reality overdeveloped jaws), the Hercules beetle's spectacular armament can often be a hindrance. Not only are the horns incapable of securing a really tight grip, they are also cumbersome. With a burden like that, these creatures really do need the strength of Hercules just to move about. For Details
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