Phylum
Arthropoda
Family
Scarabaeidae
Class
Insecta
Genus
Goliathus
Order
Coleoptera
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated
Size
5-11 cm, 50-100 g (males larger)
Coloration
Black with white, yellow, or brown patterns
Adaptations
Strong legs for climbing; heavy exoskeleton
Habitat
Tropical rainforests
Diet
Omnivorous
Tree sap, fruit, dung
Geographic Range
Central and West African forests
Reproduction
Larvae in soil; 1-2 years to mature
Threats
Habitat loss, pet trade
Interesting Facts
Heavyweight Champs: Among the world's heaviest insects, goliath beetles can weigh as much as a small bird, with larvae tipping scales at 100 g before metamorphosing into armored adults. Their size lets them muscle through dense forest undergrowth with ease.
Horned Warriors: Males sport Y-shaped horns for battling rivals over mates or feeding sites, clashing like miniature stags in the canopy, a spectacle rarely seen due to their secretive lives. These duels highlight their strength and territorial ferocity.
Best Places to Sight
Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, CAR
Korup National Park, Cameroon
Tai National Park, Côte d'Ivoire