Grants' Rhinoceros Beetle (Dynastes granti)

Grants' Rhinoceros Beetle is the longest of the US rhinoceros beetles with the record specimen at 85mm (3.25 inches)! It is a very impressive beetle with a heavy build. Females resemble monstrous spotted June beetles while the males look much more exotic and possess a horn on both the pronotum and head. The horns of the male are used in fighting over females and food. Smaller males can have very tiny horns although properly feeding larvae will produce all major males, like the captive-bred males pictured to the left. In the wild, Grants' Rhinoceros Beetles can be found out at night feeding on tree sap. In captivity, maintaining these beetles is much easier. Unlike many other invertebrates, Grants' Rhinoceros Beetles don't seem to get stressed out by being handled and gently played with by people. They also do not pose a threat to humans when bites and stings are concerned, therefore, these giant beetles make excellent pets! The Grants' Rhinoceros Beetle only lives for one or two years, but it's still an invertebrate worth keeping. They have been becoming more popular lately, and it is easy to see why. The Grants' Rhinoceros Beetle is a perfect combination of simple care, good temperament, and large size.

Range	United States, Arizona and bordering states.
Type	Terrestrial.
Diet	Larvae feed on decomposing rotten wood and leaves. Adults will eat real maple syrup and the soft parts of numerous fruits in captivity.
Full Grown Size	1.2 to 3.25 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	60 to 75° F.
Humidity	70 to 75%.
Temperament	Night active adults seem calm during the day but are quite energetic in the late evening. Males need little incentive to fight but seldom cause more than superficial damage to one another. Adults are strong flyers but poor at landing.
Housing	Larvae should be kept in glass containers with air holes. Adults should be kept in well sealed glass or plastic containers with air holes. Floor space is as important as height.
Substrate	4 to 6 inches of the soil mentioned in the "Diet" section.
Decor	Logs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good climbing accessories.
Other Names	Giant North American Rhinoceros Beetle, White Beetle, and Western Hercules Beetle.