Learn about the Hercules beetle in this short video
by Mark Frauenfelder from on (#3F8BD)
Without a doubt one of the coolest looking insects around, the Hercules beetle is now a threatened species as a result of deforestation. Great Big Story's 80-second video has beautiful footage of this majestic animal.
Reaching up to 17 cm in length, the Hercules beetle is one of the largest insects in the world. They're commonly identified by the characteristic horn-like pincers found on male beetles. Just like its heroic namesake, these little guys are strong. They can lift and carry up to 850 times their own weight. Despite their formidable strength, deforestation and loss of habitat has left the species threatened in the wild.