Atlas beetle
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The Atlas beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) is a very large species of beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, found in Southeast Asia. Males have three prominent horns. The species is named for Atlas, the giant of Greek mythology who supported the skies.
Description
Chalcosoma atlas, like other beetles of the genus Chalcosoma, is remarkable for its size. As is common in the Scarabaeidae, males are larger than the females, reaching a length of about Script error: No such module "convert".; females are about Script error: No such module "convert".. Males have specialised horns on their head and thorax that they use to fight with each other, to gain mating rights with females. The Atlas beetle differs from other Chalcosoma species (such as C. caucasus) by the broader end of the cephalic (head) horn.
Larvae
The larva of the Atlas beetle is known for its fierce behavior, including biting if touched. Unverified reports exist of larvae that live together fighting to the death if they have insufficient space or food.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Distribution
Chalcosoma atlas is found in Southeast Asia.
Parasitoids
The species is the host of a parasitoid, the giant scoliid wasp Megascolia procer, which has a paralysing venom.[1]
Subspecies
- Chalcosoma atlas atlas (Linnaeus, 1758)- Sulawesi
- Chalcosoma atlas butonensis Nagai, 2004- Buton island
- Chalcosoma atlas keyboh Nagai, 2004- Malaysia and Sumatra
- Chalcosoma atlas mantetsu Nagai, 2004- Thailand and Vietnam
- Chalcosoma atlas simeuluensis Nagai, 2004- Simeulue island
- Chalcosoma atlas sintae Nagai, 2004- Peleng islands
- Chalcosoma atlas hesperus (Erichson, 1834)- Philippines
Gallery
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Sexual dimorphism in Chalcosoma atlas. From Darwin's The Descent of Man, 2nd edn. 1882.
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Males of Chalcosoma atlas
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Females of Chalcosoma atlas
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Male, showing broadened cephalic horn
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References
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