The Atlas beetle, Chalcosoma atlas, is a species of beetle belonging to the Scarabaeidae family.

Description

Chalcosoma atlas, like other beetles of the genus Chalcosoma, is remarkable for its size, that can reach a length of about 25–60 millimetres (0.98–2.4 in) in the females. As common in some Scarabaeidae , the males are larger than the females, reaching a length of about 60–130 millimetres (2.4–5.1 in). The males have specialised horns on the head and thorax that use to fight with each other to gain mating rights with females. The Atlas beetle differs from other Chalcosoma species (such as C. caucasus) in the end of the cephalic horn of the Atlas, which is broadened.

Larvae

The larva of the Atlas beetle is known for its fierce behavior, including biting if touched. Unverified reports exist of larvae that live together fighting to the death if there's not enough space or food.

Distribution

This species can be found in southern Asia, especially indonesia.

Subspecies

• Chalcosoma atlas atlas (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Chalcosoma atlas butonensis Nagai, 2004
• Chalcosoma atlas keyboh Nagai, 2004
• Chalcosoma atlas mantetsu Nagai, 2004
• Chalcosoma atlas simeuluensis Nagai, 2004
• Chalcosoma atlas sintae Nagai, 2004

Gallery

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  Sexual dimorphism in Chalcosoma atlas. From Darwin's The Descent of Man, 2nd edn. 1882.

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  Male of Chalcosoma atlas.

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  Males of Chalcosoma atlas.

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  Females of Chalcosoma atlas.

References

• Biolib
• Kazuo Kawano Character Displacement in Giant Rhinoceros Beetles
• Family Scarabeidae – Chalcosoma atlas
• Rhinoceros beetles – Chalcosoma atlas (Atlas beetle)