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Rhinocereus beetle

Golofa sp

Photo by Dan Doucette
Published on Project Noah
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2.70163, -77.1198

Field Notes

Description:

huge and robust beetle, I think this is the female due to the short horn

Habitat:

cloudforest, 3300m

Notes:

I spotted this at Volcan Purace National Park. I had just finished eating and was walking back to my cabin when I saw the light on up at the office. I was in a really remote area with forest and open areas and even though it was pretty cold, I thought I should check to see if there was anything near the light. I was glad I did. I spotted 2 cool moths and this huge beetle. It was lodged into the wood on the ceiling beside the light. I was able to reach it and pried it free. Once it latched onto my finger, it didn't want to let go! One of the coolest and largest beetles I've ever seen.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)
Dan Doucette
Thanks for the input Lauren. I got the ID from a display in a small natural history museum in Colombia. I thought it was the same species but it may not have been correct. I appreciate your help. I didn't notice any smell.
LaurenZarate
Hi Dan. Great pictures! The Golofas are so neat. I don't think this is Golofa porteri though, which has enormously long horns on both the head and and prothorax. It is definitely not a female either because none of the females have any armature. There are more than 30 species - I'll try to see what you might have from your pictures. Andrea asked about the long legs - they are remarkably agile moving around on branches and just as remarkably clumsy and unable to move well on flat surfaces. Those legs seem to be made for trees! Did you notice the strong smell they have? It is almost unpleasant and sort of over-ripe fruit-like.
Dan Doucette
Thanks Andrea. I'm not sure, haven't found anything on this species.
Andrea Lim
WOW great beetle Dan! What do you think it would use the long front legs for? Have you come across any info on it?

Spotted for Missions

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Colombia Wildlife
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Beetles!
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2013 Best Wildlife Photo
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Mission WILD

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Photographed
PublishedMarch 31, 2013

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