Actaeon Beetle (Megasoma actaeon)

The Actaeon beetle is one of the biggest insects in the beetle world. It belongs to the family Scarabaeidae and is a rhinoceros beetle. This beetle is named after a famous Theban hunter in Greek mythology.

Its body measures about 50 to 120mm, and its dorsal surfaces are matte or shiny black. It has large tarsal claws and powerful legs. You will notice appendages resembling horns on the head of the male beetles. The females lay eggs, which take around nine months to develop. 

The Actaeon beetle is also one of the heaviest insects. In 2009, experts found the heaviest Actaeon, weighing 228 grams in the northern regions of South America, nearly the same as a female rat.