Ever heard of the Rhinoceros Beetle of Japan, otherwise known as Kabuto? This beetle is one of the most popular creatures found in Asia, making it a celebrated creature in Asian culture due to its will and ability to fight, battle, and combat with other creatures. Compared to other beetles, the Kabuto or Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle is known to be in the larger category. The beetle’s enormous size and strength have sparked the interest of many people around the world for so many years.
The following are five interesting and brilliant facts that you may find appealing about this famous creature, the Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle:
- It can be found abundantly in Japan, Korea, Eastern China, and Taiwan
Dynastinae is a beetle subfamily and rhinoceros beetles belong to it. It’s interesting to note that they are closely affiliated with the famous scarab beetles of Egypt. They can be seen either in brown or black color. They are non-carnivorous. In fact, these beetles are known to be herbivorous with diets consisting of tree saps, fruits, and other sugary foods.
Male rhinoceros beetles can grow to a maximum of 3.14 inches in length. Females on the hand can grow a maximum of 2.36 inches long. These beetles often grow with a pair of horns, a Y-shaped horn at its frontal portion, and a smaller horn found just above their heads. These two horns prove to be very essential parts that make them powerful enough in battling and lifting their enemies.
These beetles are commonly found in abundance in Japan, Eastern China, Korea, and Taiwan. There are variations, however, that can be found all across other continents except Antarctica. Kabuto beetles primarily dwell in both tropical and subtropical wilderness and mountainous regions.
- Rhinoceros beetles have various names
In Japan, rhinoceros beetles are called kabutomushi, Japanese horned beetles, and Japanese rhinoceros beetles. However, the name “kabutomushi” is the most popular whereas “kabuto” is translated as “helmet” in English, and “mushi” means “insect.” Thus, kabutomushi directly defines a rhinoceros beetle as a “helmet insect.” In Japanese culture, this is something similar to the famous samurai helmet.
- Life span is up to sixteen months
After the egg hatches into a larva, it will then spend most of its life underground. It’ll take around a year for it to develop into a rhinoceros beetle. And when it becomes an adult, it will continue living as an adult beetle for about four months. A male beetle must find a partner and mate. After mating with a female, the male will die during the fall season while the female will have to live until all her eggs are laid, then perish shortly after.
- Very famous icon in the Japanese culture
Due to the beetle’s popularity, it has not only become an important symbol in Japanese culture but also a popular character that’s being used as an anime or cartoon character and in advertisements. Children that live near the natural dwellings of rhino beetles commonly play with these creatures. In fact, they are sold in many Japanese and Asian pet shops and owning one as a pet is just an ordinary thing for these Asian kids. These beetles often cost 5 dollars each.
- They are fierce and love battling
Rhinoceros beetles are known for their love of fighting but are harmless to humans. They don’t even have the reputation of biting or stinging humans. These insects are also non-venomous. They just love battling with other rhino beetles, especially their rivals. During a battle, these beetles often use their horns. Sometimes, a stronger beetle can snap off the horn of its opponent! As for lifting, a rhino beetle can flip or lift an opponent that’s 850 times its weight.
