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What is this insect ? #876217

Asked July 07, 2024, 4:59 PM EDT

I found this beetle in a dollar store in bowie md i really dont want it to die but it was barley moving when i found it Any idea how to care for it?

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

This looks like a female Eastern Hercules Beetle. Adults don't eat much and their habitat is woodlands. It probably flew by the outdoor store lighting at night, became disoriented and wound-up indoors by accident. Adult beetles eat tree sap and fruit.  The grubs eat rotting wood.  They are very cool critters.

It's probably near the end of its adult life, so best to put it in some nearby woods in case it's able to lay eggs in a rotting log before dying.
More info from U of MD Entomologist Mike Raupp:
https://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2019/12/16/a-giant-among-beetles-hercules-beetle-dynastes-tityus

Thanks for contacting Ask Extension.
Taffy Replied July 08, 2024, 5:43 PM EDT

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