Caribbean Hercules Beetle vs Black Carpet Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Caribbean Hercules Beetle Black Carpet Beetle
Scientific Name Dynastes hercules hercules Attagenus unicolor
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Dermestidae
Size 50-170 mm including horn 3-5 mm
Habitat Forests Indoors
Diet Wood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Guadeloupe, Dominica, Lesser Antilles Worldwide
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Caribbean Hercules Beetle

The nominate subspecies of the Hercules beetle, found in the Lesser Antilles. Males bear an enormous horn used in combat with rivals.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the longest beetles on Earth and can lift objects 850 times its own weight.

Black Carpet Beetle

A small, oval, dark brown to black beetle that is a major pest of textiles and natural fibers. Larvae are covered in long brown hairs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can survive up to a year without feeding if conditions are dry.