8 Famous Types of Beetles: Global Beetle Diversity and Their Amazing Features

Beetles, classified under the order Coleoptera, are among the most diverse animals on Earth, with over 400,000 described species. Here we introduce 8 of the most remarkable beetle types worldwide, such as the Hercules beetle, sacred scarab, burying beetle, elephant beetle, pine chafer, Goliath beetle, May beetle, and the European stag beetle, highlighting their traits, distribution, and ecological value.

Table of Contents

1. Hercules Beetle

2. Sacred Scarab

3. Burying Beetle

4. Elephant Beetle

5. Pine Chafer

6. Goliath Beetle

7. May Beetle

8. European Stag Beetle

1. Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules)

One of the largest beetles on the planet, reaching up to 17 cm long. Native to Central and South America, males have impressive horns—sometimes longer than their bodies—used for fighting rivals during breeding. Females are smaller and hornless. Their diet consists of fruit and plant sap. The Hercules beetle is famed as the world’s strongest animal by size, able to lift 850 times its body weight.

2. Sacred Scarab (Scarabaeus sacer)

Known as a “dung beetle,” this species lives in Mediterranean dunes and marshes. They roll animal dung into balls to feed their larvae. In ancient Egypt, this beetle was worshipped and associated with the sun god and concepts of resurrection.

3. Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides)

Found throughout North America and Eurasia, these black beetles with bright orange wing markings specialize in burying small vertebrate carcasses to feed their larvae. They play a vital role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.

4. Elephant Beetle (Megasoma elephas)

A rhino beetle species from Central and South America, males feature large horns on the head and thorax used in territorial and mating battles. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are gentle herbivores, feeding mainly on ripe fruit and sap.

5. Pine Chafer (Polyphylla fullo)

A rare beetle distributed in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Males have distinctive fan-shaped antennae. Larvae feed on plant roots; adults consume pine needles. They emit a loud sound when threatened.

6. Goliath Beetle (Goliathus goliatus)

One of the world’s heaviest beetles, native to tropical Africa’s forests and savannas. Black and white striped thorax, brown wing covers, and a “Y”-shaped horn in males. Goliath beetles feed on tree sap and fruits and have strong flying wings.

7. May Beetles (Phyllophaga spp.)

A group of nocturnal beetles with brown or black bodies, known for larvae that damage grasses and crops across Latin America. Adults are attracted to lights at night.

8. European Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus)

The largest beetle in Europe, widespread in central regions like Spain. Males are famous for their large, deer-like jaws (“antlers”), used in combat. Larvae spend years feeding on decaying wood in oak and beech forests.

animal tags： Beetles