Giant Rhinocerous Beetle

Written by Pookas Kreations

This is the favorite mount for small jungle races like goblins and halfling clans. They train them to carry weight and learn commands at a young age. Farmers often use them for beasts of burden around the farm. Merchants for carrying cargo or pulling wagons. 

At times of war, they are often fitted with a palanquin for war, they can carry 4-8 small characters. At times they are even used for pulling siege weapons, like towers, canons, and catapults. A few have been trained to have a cannon mounted on their backs.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Giant rhinoceros beetles have the same anatomy, six legs, wings, clubbed antenna and horns of various amounts and types; as other beetles. These are the largest beetles yet discovered on Aquatica.

Genetics and Reproduction

The main difference between sexes is that the males have a longhorn (or more) to compete for the next years' harem (herd) and that only the females can fly. The horn overbalances them too much for a steady flight.
Gravid females make their nests in rotting vegetation, laying around 50-100 eggs, then burring it with the same. The heat from the rotting pile cures the ages of the eggs.

Ecology and Habitats

Any temperate forest/jungle, because of their weight they usually stay away from wet areas.

Dietary Needs and Habits

These beetles are vegetarian, preferring soft leafy matter, fruit, and sap. The young larva subsists almost entirely on rotting wood and leaves.

Additional Information

Social Structure

They are usually solitary creatures, only coming together to compete for mates and to breed.

Domestication

Various tribal races domesticate the giant rhinoceros beetle for mounts, beasts of burden and war.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

They are often killed for their meat and the chitin to be used in armor.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

These beetles can be found on any continent with temperate forests or jungles. A rare few subraces can be found in arid areas.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Darkvision 60 ft.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Predatory mites usually live in symbiotic harmony with these beetles.

Scientific Name

Chalcosoma atlas, Xylotrupes ulysses, Megasoma elephas, Oryctes nasicornis, Dynastes hercules, Allomyrina dichotoma, Strategus aloeus, and Dynastes tityus.

Lifespan

6 years

Average Height

4 feet.

Average Weight

1800 lbs

Average Length

12 feet.

Average Physique

These are massive creatures and are stronger than their size would suggest. They are able to carry, lift or drag 850 times their own weight.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Their coloration varies depending on location, usually consisting of light browns to black and occasionally green or blue.