Based on the researchers’ estimations, beetles are believed to have emerged approximately 327 million years ago, specifically during the Carboniferous Period.
The study further reveals that the majority of present-day beetle groups can be traced back to a time preceding the end of the Cretaceous Period, which occurred 66 million years ago coinciding with the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Beetles can be found in various locations such as rugs, furs, clothing, leather items, upholstered furniture, animal hides, carpeting, cracks, crevices, baseboards, seat cushions, kitchen pantries, and more.
They are attracted to human and animal hair, as well as dead insects and lint, making any area where such matter accumulates a favorable feeding ground for them.
The title of the world’s heaviest beetles goes to a particular group known as Megasoma, which are rhinoceros beetles. These impressive creatures are primarily found in South and Central America. Among them, the Actaeon beetle (Megasoma actaeon) holds the record as the heaviest species in this remarkable group.
Little Barrier Island in New Zealand is home to the astonishing Deinacrida heteracantha, a cricket-like giant weta that measures 8.5cm (11cm including ovipositor).
In Equatorial Brazil and French Guiana, you can encounter the impressive Titanus giganteus, a colossal beetle reaching a length of 16.7cm.
Spanning from southern Mexico to South America, the Megasoma elephas elephas, commonly known as the elephant beetle, showcases its grandeur with a size of 13.7cm.
What is the scientific name for the rhinoceros beetle?
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