Eastern Hercules Beetle - Dynastes tityus

This species is admired for its large size and dramatic horned appearance. Larvae are massive, C-shaped grubs that develop in decaying hardwood, often oak, over one to two years. Adults are glossy greenish-gray to yellowish with dark mottling, and males are distinguished by a prominent head horn and opposing thoracic horn used in pushing and lifting contests with rivals, while females lack horns and are more robust. In both the wild and captivity, adults are mostly nocturnal and attracted to sap flows and fermenting fruit, making this species a classic and highly charismatic beetle for observation and keeping.