Goliathus goliatus

Goliathus goliatus is one of the largest species in the genus Goliathus, males having a body length of 50–110 millimetres (2.0–4.3 in) and females having a body length of 54–80 millimetres (2.1–3.1 in). The pronotum (thoracic shield) is mainly black, with whitish longitudinal stripes, while elytra are usually dark brown. This pattern may differ greatly in some subspecies and forms.

This species possess a large and membranous secondary pair of wings actually used for flying. When not in use, they are kept completely folded beneath the elytra. The head is whitish, with a black Y-shaped horn in males, used as a pry bar in battles with other males over feeding sites or mates. These beetles feed primarily on tree sap and fruits.

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  Goliathus goliatus male, at the Montreal Insectarium
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  Goliathus goliatus goliatus male, dorsal side
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  Goliathus goliatus male, ventral side
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  Goliathus goliatus, male, with spread wings
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  Goliathus goliatus apicalis
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  Goliathus goliatus conspersus
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  Goliathus goliatus quadrimaculatus

This species is widespread from western to eastern equatorial Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Western Kenya and Northwestern Tanzania).

Goliathus goliatus is mainly present in the equatorial forests and in the sub-equatorial savannah.

On January 1, 1959, a species from Gabon, believed to be the first such beetle seen alive in the United States, went on display at the American Museum of Natural History.[1]

• Natural World
• Goliathus

• Beetle Space