The rhinoceros beetle belongs to Dynastinae subfamily of the scarab beetle family. There are more than three hundred known species of the rhino beetles family, and hence the scientific name of the rhinoceros beetle changes according to the species. They are mainly known for their bizarre shape and huge size. Some of the well known beetles in this family are Hercules beetles with scientific name Dynastes hercules, unicorn beetles with scientific name Dynastes tityus and the common rhinoceros beetle with scientific name Xylotrupes Ulysses.
The rhinoceros beetle is amongst the biggest beetles of all. They are nearly sixty millimeters in length. Even though they look big hey are considered harmless for human beings. They are called the horn beetles because they have a horn on their nose. However, they do not sting or bite. Only the males of the species have these horns. On the whole, the horn makes them resemble a rhinoceros' face and that is why they are called rhinoceros beetles. (See Reference 1)
The body of these beetles is very thick, and they are built that way so that they are protected from the predators. These beetles are nocturnal creatures and they are generally not active during the day. Because of this, they easily become prey for birds and other insect eating animals. When the sun comes out, the rhinoceros beetles hide under logs and camouflage themselves among vegetation. If these beetles are disturbed, they can squeak very loudly or even hiss.
It seems the rhinoceros beetle's larval stage can last for several years. The larva feeds on rotten wood for a long time. Then it develops into pupa and finally into a full adult. The male rhinoceros beetle invariably uses its horn to fight other males and to impress the female. (See Reference 1)
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1. Wikipedia: Rhinoceros Beetlehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros_beetle
Rhinoceros beetle is the biggest beetle in the world. Hence, many people assume that since these beetles are big, they a lot. However, considering their size, their appetites are not that large. The rhinoceros beetle eats decaying vegetation and fruits in the wild. It is also known to eat saplings, plant sap and nectar. In captivity, the rhinoceros beetle is known to eat fruits that have fallen off trees and old bananas. The larva of the rhinoceros beetle is known to live on decaying wood.