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🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨
The goliath beetles consist of 6 separate species, all found in Africa. Though the species differ slightly in size and diet, they are all generally large and sturdy beetles, with some form of black and white striped colouration across their body.
Though the adult beetles are not particularly massive they can grow up to around 12cms (4.5 inches), and their larvae are considered the heaviest insect by weight in the world. Goliath beetle larvae can reach weights of up to 100 grams (3.5 oz) and grow up to 10 inches (250mm) in length.
Thought to be one of the strongest insects in the world, goliath beetles can lift and move over 800 times their own body weight.
Male goliath beetles use their fork shaped horns to wrestle one another, especially during the breeding season.
Females lack these horns, and have more of a wedge shaped head which helps when burrowing to lay eggs.