May 18, 2017 at 9:22 am

The Remarkable Metamorphosis of a Hercules Rhinoceros Beetle

by twistedsifter

 

Scientist Hirofumi Kawano created this incredible timelapse that shows the remarkable metamorphosis of a Hercules Rhinoceros beetle.

The Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules, Dynastinae) is a rhinoceros beetle native to the rainforests of Central America, South America, Lesser Antilles, and the Andes. They are large beetles, with some males reaching 17.5 cm.

The larval stage of the Hercules beetle will last one to two years, with the larva growing up to 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length and weighing more than 100 grams. Much of the life of the larva is spent tunneling through rotting wood. After the larval period, transformation into a pupa, and moulting, the beetle then emerges as an adult.

For those interested, the music is “Kaddish” (Instrumental version) by Dhruva Aliman

 

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