Of all the beetles in Florida, one of the most interesting is Rhinoceros Beetles. It’s an incredible looking scarab beetle. It has a smooth, dark back that looks like a half-oval, and a horned head that makes its look unmistakable. It can lift up to 850 times its own weight, which means it can move stones, small objects, and clumps of dirt much larger than itself.
Rhino beetles only live up to six months. Their life cycles are fairly quick. They can fly, but you’ll most often see them crawling on the ground or through plants.
Are Rhinoceros Beetles Dangerous?
Rhinoceros beetles aren’t dangerous. They carry no venom, and they don’t bite or sting. They don’t stab with their horns, either. They’re fairly docile.
Rhino beetles are still considered pests in Florida because of what eats them. While rhino beetles in Florida are vegetarians, they attract animals that aren’t.
Rhino beetles feed on rotting wood and decaying plants when they’re young. After this larvae stage, they turn to rotten fruit, plant nectar, and tree sap. They’re not big eaters, but because fruit is often found in homes, they’ll often be discovered as household pests in Florida.
Predator Pests
Snakes love rhino beetles. If you have them on your property, snakes are almost sure to follow.
You may also notice more birds, which means more bird droppings.
Your children may be interested in a rhino beetle as a pet. This can be a safe pet, but consult someone first – like any pet, they have needs and must be cared for in the right way. They’re tremendously popular in Japan.
If you’ve got too many rhinoceros beetles and you want them gone, let us know. At Slug-A-Bug, we can help you out with your pest problem, and teach you a few things about the beetles if you like.