Strategus antaeus
This record describes Strategus antaeus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elytra without sutural striae. Male often has long posterior horns. The absence of a sutural stria will easily separate S. antaeus from all other species in the genus. Strategus antaeus is somewhat variable with regard to shape, size, and color. Specimens from the southern part of the range are generally darker and larger than those from the northern part of the range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dynastinae
- Tribe
- Oryctini
- Genus
- Strategus (Ox Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Typically sandy areas, e.g. coastal plains
Geographic Range
e.US (MA‒FL to KS‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on grasses, leaves, fruit. Larvae feed on roots.
Life History
Eggs laid in burrow in ground
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Strategus antaeus ( Drury 1773)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Strategus antaeus. 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 Strategus antaeus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Strategus antaeus
What is Strategus antaeus?
Strategus antaeus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Strategus antaeus?
18‒41 mm
How do you identify Strategus antaeus?
Elytra without sutural striae. Male often has long posterior horns. The absence of a sutural stria will easily separate S. antaeus from all other species in the genus. Strategus antaeus is somewhat variable with regard to shape, size, and color. Specimens from the southern part of the range are generally darker and larger than those from the northern part of the range.
Where is Strategus antaeus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Typically sandy areas, e.g. coastal plains |
| Range | e.US (MA‒FL to KS‒TX) |
What does Strategus antaeus eat?
The diet of the Strategus antaeus includes Adults feed on grasses, leaves, fruit. Larvae feed on roots..
What is the life cycle of a Strategus antaeus?
Eggs laid in burrow in ground