Digging in our mound of woodchip mulch I brought to the surface a beetle of the species that is the largest in Australia. The suitably named Rhinoceros Beetle (Xyltrupes S) that is found through Islands to the north of Australia and down the coastal regions of Queensland and less common further south.to about Sydney.
Only the male beetles have the horns which they use to fight with other males coming into their territory looking for a mate. The larvae are very large curl grubs that feed on decaying vegetation, rotting timber and in our case woodchip mulch. When disturbed they have an aggressive hissing sound to scare off attackers and also emit a chemical defense.
Renowned for their strength and size (up to 70mm) it is not surprising that they are also called Hercules, Ulysses and elephant beetles.
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