Indian Moon Beetle

About Indian Moon Beetle

A spectacular stag beetle relative with males bearing two long, curved, crescent-shaped horns on the head. The body is robust and olive-green to dark brown with a hairy underside.

How to Identify Indian Moon Beetle

Indian Moon Beetle (Dicranocephalus wallichii) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 30-50 mm (males including horns).

Indian Moon Beetle Habitat

Indian Moon Beetle is found in forests habitats, particularly across South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern Himalayan region). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Indian Moon Beetle Diet and Feeding

Indian Moon Beetle feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

Where Is Indian Moon Beetle Found?

Indian Moon Beetle can be found in South Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, northeastern Himalayan region), where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Is Indian Moon Beetle Dangerous?

Indian Moon Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Indian Moon Beetle Role in Nature

Indian Moon Beetle is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.

Seasonal Activity