163. The Heaviest Insect

Goliath beetle is the heaviest insect in the world. It can be found in the tropical forests of Africa. A male beetle can be 60 to 110 m.m long and a female beetle 50 to 80 m.m.long.

The length and weight at the larvae stage is 150 m.m and 100 grams, respectively. The adult beetle weighs only half as much. Females vary from dark brown to silky white. The males are brown/black/white or black and white.

The species Goliathus is native to Africa, primarily in the tropical regions. This beetle has a greater need for protein rich food than the others.The adult beetle feeds on the sap and fruits rich in sugar.The adult stage is mainly for reproduction.

This beetle has a reinforced first pair of wings, which protects the second pair of wings and its abdomen.The second pair of wings is used for flying.

All its legs end in a pair of sharp claws which provide the necessary grip for climbing trees and branches. Male beetle has a Y shaped horn on it head, useful in fighting for food, site and mate. The female does not have the horn. She has a wedge shaped head useful in burrowing while laying the eggs.

Goliath beetles have strikingly beautiful patterns on their pronotum.

Visalakshi Ramani