Bugland: The Strength Of Hercules
With tell-tale horns, Rhinoceros beetles can grow up to six inches long. Saying they are strong is an understatement. The National Wildlife Federation makes a pretty good analogy to give you an idea. Adult beetles can lift objects 30 times their own weight without sacrificing any speed. Shazam! That would be equivalent to a human being able to effortlessly carry around an adult male rhinoceros. It’s no surprise, then, that they are also called Hercules beetles. These herbivores may look ferocious but they are gentle giants — they don’t bite and are actually somewhat friendly. Rhinoceros beetles are found on every continent except Antarctica. Photo by Mark Silverstein