Also called common rhinoceros beetle, members of the genus Xylotrupes are native to Thailand (gideon) and Australia (ulysses). Males can reach up to 2.5 inches in length. Gideon can make a hissing noise when feeling threatened. Members of the genus Megasoma are also known as elephant beetles. Adult males can measure 4.7 inches, and are often two to three times bigger than females. These horned beetles are found in Texas, Australia, and Central and South America.
The genus Dynastes contains the largest of all horned beetles. Native to the Central and South American rain forests, Hercules beetle males can measure up to 6.5 inches. Dynastes beetles can have horns bigger than their own bodies and they can carry objects about 800 times their body weigh. Called Atlas beetles, members of the genus Chalcosoma are common in Malaysa. Larvae of Atlas beetles are aggressive and can defend themselves when attacked.
The European rhinoceros beetle is found in wooded areas of Northern Europe. Beetles from the genus Allomyrina are common in Asia, where they are sold as pets. Also called Kabutomushi beetle, this species lives for about four months as an adult, is often dark brown and has a hairy abdomen.
The ox beetle can be found in the United States, Mexico and Central America. Males have three horn-like structures, looking like the dinosaur Triceratops. Native to New Zealand, Pericoptus beetles live near the coast in sandy soils, feeding on decaying plant material. There are five known species: frontalis, nitidulus, punctatus, stupidus and truncatus.