# Goliath Beetle (*Goliathus kolbei*) Goliath Beetles are huge beetles that can weigh as much as a cat! They are very strong and can fly. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Tropical forests - **Also known as:** Goliathus Beetle ![Goliath Beetle](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426691/objects/5496.jpg) ## Appearance The Goliath Beetle is a massive insect, often featuring striking patterns of black and white or olive-brown, setting it apart from other large beetles. Males possess a distinctive Y-shaped horn on their head, used for combat. Its powerful, segmented legs and sturdy body contribute to its formidable appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Scarabaeidae - **Genus:** Goliathus ## Interesting facts - Goliath Beetle larvae (grubs) can grow even heavier than the adult beetles! - Male Goliath Beetles sometimes "wrestle" each other using their head horns to win a mate. - These amazing beetles spend most of their lives hidden as larvae underground or in rotting wood. - They use specialized mouthparts like sponges to soak up sweet tree sap and fruit juices. ## Special abilities - **Super Strength Lift:** Goliath Beetles can lift objects many times their own weight because of their powerful muscles, helping them move obstacles or fight rivals. - **Mighty Flight:** The Goliath Beetle has large, strong wings that allow it to fly powerfully and swiftly through dense forest canopies. - **Horned Defense:** Male Goliath Beetles possess a prominent Y-shaped horn, which they use to wrestle and flip competing males during mating season. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 120-200 mm - **Size:** 50-110 mm - **Lifespan:** 90-180 days - **Flight Speed:** 20 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult Goliath Beetles feast on sweet tree sap and juicy ripe fruits found in the jungle. - **Age differences:** Larvae are detritivores, eating decaying wood, leaf litter, and sometimes small insects; adults are herbivores. - **Primary Foods:** Tree sap, Ripe bananas, Juicy mangoes, Fermenting fruits, Palm sap - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Black-casqued Hornbill (*Ceratogymna atrata*) — A primary bird predator in the beetle's habitat. - **Eaten by:** [Chimpanzee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/chimpanzee) (*Pan troglodytes*) — Chimpanzees occasionally consume Goliath Beetles. - **Depends on:** Sycamore Fig (*Ficus sycomorus*) — Beetles feed on the sap and ripe fruits of this tree. - **Depends on:** Wild Banana (*Musa acuminata*) — A favored source of ripe fruit for adult Goliath Beetles. - **Depends on:** African Oil Palm (*Elaeis guineensis*) — Beetles are attracted to and feed on the sap from these palms. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover. - [Armored](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/armored): Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Goliath Beetle? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Goliath Beetle's wingspan? 120-200 mm ### How big is Goliath Beetle? 50-110 mm ### How long does Goliath Beetle live? 90-180 days ### How fast can Goliath Beetle fly? 20 km/h ### What does Goliath Beetle eat? Adult Goliath Beetles feast on sweet tree sap and juicy ripe fruits found in the jungle. ### Where is Goliath Beetle usually found? Tropical forests ### How does Goliath Beetle hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Goliath Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/goliath-beetle)