Above and Below: A Rhinocerous Beetle I found on the side of the house this afternoon. He was heading for battle with another. I put him on my left thumb. He dug in. . .and then played dead. Its an odd sensation. . . those hairy, thorny legs digging into one's flesh. I don't know why he sticks his back legs out like he does. I snapped a few shots then put him back down, away from the other male.
The rhinoceros beetles are a subfamily (Dynastinae) of beetles in the family of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae). They are among the largest of beetles, and their common name refers to the characteristic horns borne by the males of most species in the group. The male beetles use their horns in mating battles against other males. They are harmless to humans.
At this level of detail they are really magnificent creatures.
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