Head to head
Elephant Beetle vs Goliath Beetle
The elephant beetle and the goliath beetle both rank among the heaviest insects alive, and both arm their males with horns for combat, but one comes from the rainforests of the Americas while the other is native to equatorial Africa.
| Elephant Beetle | Goliath Beetle | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Megasoma elephas | Goliathus goliatus |
| Size and bulk | One of the bulkiest beetles in the world | Adults 6 to 11 cm, larvae up to 100 g or more |
| Male horns | A pair of large horns used in combat | A single Y-shaped horn used in combat |
| Larval diet | Decaying wood | Protein-rich decaying matter |
| Adult diet | Tree sap and fruit | Tree sap and overripe fruit |
| Body covering | Short, velvety hairs | Patterned hard wing-cases |
| Range | Central America and northern South America | Equatorial Africa |
| Conservation status | Not Evaluated | Not Evaluated |
Elephant Beetle vs Goliath Beetle: common questions
Which is bulkier, the elephant beetle or the goliath beetle?
Both rank among the bulkiest beetles in the world, with the goliath beetle often cited as among the heaviest insects by larval weight, while the elephant beetle is competitive in overall mass as an adult; different measures favour different species.
Do both the elephant beetle and goliath beetle use horns for fighting?
Yes, males of both species carry horns, the elephant beetle a pair and the goliath beetle a single Y-shaped horn, used to pry and flip rival males off feeding sites and females.
Where do the elephant beetle and goliath beetle live?
The elephant beetle is native to rainforest in Central America and northern South America, while the goliath beetle is found only in equatorial Africa, so the two never meet in the wild.