Hercules beetle (female)

Tropical and subtropical rainforests of Central and South America and the Caribbean, especially humid forest floors and decaying wood.

Larvae consume decaying wood and organic soil matter. Adults primarily eat fruit, tree sap, and other plant juices.

Nocturnal and generally solitary; adults fly toward lights and males use their horns in contests for mates. Larvae develop inside rotting logs over one to two years.

Harmless to people and not a significant crop pest. Larvae help decompose wood and recycle nutrients; adults contribute modestly to forest food webs and pollination.