The titan beetle (or Titanus giganteus) is an extremely large species that lives in the tropical rainforests of South America. It has a large reddish-brown and black abdomen, black coloration on its legs, antennae and thorax, and pale wings with brown vein structures. The beetle’s robust mandibles are strong enough to snap through twigs and, while both sexes have wings, only the males are capable of flight. Like many species, it is threatened by the ongoing destruction of the rainforest habitat that it calls home.
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Titanus giganteus
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Animal Facts
The titan beetle is the world's largest beetle, with the biggest ever recorded at 16.7cm long.
Male titan beetles are attracted to light sources, whereas female titan beetles are not.
Adult male titan beetles do not eat, but spend all their energy on finding a mate and reproducing.
The larvae of this species have never been found, but it is estimated from boreholes in trees that they could be 30cm long and 5cm wide.
After emerging from its pupa, the adult titan beetle's lifespan is relatively short, usually dying shortly after mating.