Hercules beetle

Meet hercules beetle—one more extraordinary life to discover.

Discover the expedition atlas

A CLOSER LOOK

A reference overview

The Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Lesser Antilles. It is the longest extant species of beetle in the world, and is also one of the largest flying insects in the world.

Overview excerpt from Wikipedia contributors · Hercules beetle, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Excerpt may be shortened. Overview retrieved 2026-10-09.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT

The evidence behind this discovery

Source-linked

This overview is attributed to Wikipedia contributors and was retrieved on 2026-10-09. Retrieval is not independent scientific review.

Reference media

The picture has a linked creator and license. Extinct-animal images may show a fossil, specimen or reconstruction; a reconstruction is not a photograph of the living animal.

Scope and uncertainty

Map points represent selected regions, not complete ranges or live sightings. References and identifications can change. A linked source is not an expert certification.

Read our evidence and editorial approach →

LET ONE QUESTION OPEN ANOTHER

Where will this discovery take you?

Another insects discovery

Monarch butterfly ↗

Notice similarities, then follow the sources to explore the differences.

FOLLOW A QUESTION

What can a picture tell you? ↗

Use the visual clues to narrow a collection, then compare animals and check their references.

Follow a discovery guide ↗

Saved on this browser.

Return to your museum collection

Hercules beetle

A reference overview

The evidence behind this discovery

Where will this discovery take you?

Monarch butterfly ↗

What can a picture tell you? ↗

More insects to discover

Monarch butterfly

Blue morpho butterfly

Common swallowtail

Western honey bee

Bumblebee

Seven-spot ladybird