Atlas Beetle

The Atlas Beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) is a very large species of beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, found in Southeast Asia. The species is named for Atlas, the giant of Greek mythology who supported the skies. The Atlas beetle larva is renowned for its vicious behavior, which includes biting when handled. Unconfirmed accounts suggest that if a colony of larvae lacks food or space, they may battle to death.

Like other beetles in the genus Chalcosoma, the Chalcosoma atlas is notable for its size. Males in the Scarabaeidae often grow to a length of 60-120 millimeters, whilst females typically grow to a length of 25-60 millimeters. Males fight with each other using specialized horns on their heads and thorax in order to win the privilege to mate with females. The cephalic (head) horn of the Atlas beetle is wider than those of other Chalcosoma species, including C. caucasus.