Churchyard Beetle vs Hercules Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Churchyard Beetle Hercules Beetle
Scientific Name Blaps mucronata Dynastes hercules
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Tenebrionidae Dynastidae
Size 18-25 mm 50-85 mm (up to 170 mm with horn)
Habitat Caves Forests
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Churchyard Beetle

A large, slow-moving, flightless black beetle often found in cellars and old buildings. It emits a foul odor when disturbed.

💡

Did You Know?

It was historically considered an omen of death when found inside a house.

Hercules Beetle

One of the largest beetles in the world. Males sport enormous horns used in combat for mates. The elytra can change color from green-yellow to black depending on humidity.

💡

Did You Know?

The Hercules beetle can carry up to 850 times its own body weight, making it one of the strongest animals on Earth relative to its size.