Rhinoceros Beetle
Sinodendron cylindricum
This record describes Sinodendron cylindricum (species). Recorded family: Lucanidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length approx 15 to 18 mm. Rhinoceros beetles get their name from the pointed projection on the front of the head of the males which gives them a rhinoceros-like appearance. The female rhinoceros beetle just has a small bump. The shiny body of the rhinoceros beetle is black with a blue-green sheen. They feed on tree sap. The larvae feed on rotting wood - especially Beech. Found throughout Britain but usually in small numbers.
Wikipedia reference for Sinodendron cylindricum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinodendron_cylindricum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Lucanidae
- Genus
- Sinodendron
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They feed on tree sap. The larvae feed on rotting wood - especially Beech.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Found throughout Britain but usually in small numbers.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Sinodendron cylindricum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Rhinoceros Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoceros Beetle
What is Rhinoceros Beetle?
Rhinoceros Beetle (Sinodendron cylindricum) is a species in the family Lucanidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhinoceros Beetle?
approx 15 to 18 mm. Rhinoceros beetles get their name from the pointed projection on the front of the head of the males which gives them a rhinoceros-like appearance. The female rhinoceros beetle just has a small bump. The shiny body of the rhinoceros beetle is black with a blue-green sheen.
Where is Rhinoceros Beetle found?
Habitat: Woodland.
When is Rhinoceros Beetle active?
Rhinoceros Beetle: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Rhinoceros Beetle?
They feed on tree sap. The larvae feed on rotting wood - especially Beech.