Rhinoceros beetle: Difference between revisions

Rhinoceros beetles haven't really been considered pests but as their population have grown, they have damaged plants. <ref> [http://mypestprevention.com/2014/03/rhinoceros-beetles/ Rhinoceros Beetles] ''Rhinoceros Beetles''. Accessed January 18th, 2017. Author Unknown </ref> The beetles don't have very many predators due to its heavy protection so their population is continuously growing. The predators that they have are pigs, rats, and ants. There are also two diseases that can kill them which are the Metarhizium anisopliae and the Oryctes virus. <ref> [http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/adap/ASCC_LandGrant/Dr_Brooks/BrochureNo8.pdf/ Brochure No 8] ''Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle''. Published June 30th, 1914. Author Unknown </ref> In some ways, the rhinoceros beetles help the environment. Their larvae eat things like compost and dead leaves which help recycle. <ref> Troutman, Devon [https://digitalinsectcollection.wikispaces.com/Rhinoceros+Beetle/ Rhinoceros Beetle] ''Digital insect collection''. Accessed January 18th, 2017. Author Unknown </ref> Since they are nocturnal, they hide underground or inside plants during the day. At night they are attracted to and stick around lights. When in danger, the beetle will give out a squeak by rubbing its wings against its abdomen. Although it isn't very loud, that is all the noise it will ever make. <ref> [https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/rhinoceros-beetle/ Rhinoceros Beetle] ''Animal Corner''. Accessed January 18th, 2017. Author Unknown </ref> Adult beetles are known to eat a variety of fruit. They make great pets in Asia because they dont hurt people and they are clean animals to take care of. <ref> Newton, Blake [http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/beetles/hercules/hercules.htm/ Hercules] ''Kentucky Insects''. Last Modified May 7th, 2005. </ref>