Trypoxylus dichotomus

The Japanese rhinoceros beetle, Japanese horned beetle, or kabutomushi (カブトムシ), Allomyrina dichotoma, is a species of rhinoceros beetle. In Japanese, rhinoceros beetles are called kabutomushi (かぶとむし, also written 甲虫 or かぶと虫). Mushi is Japanese for insect, and kabuto is Japanese for helmet, literally referring to the samurai helmet. The beetle's Korean name 'Jangsupungdeng-i(장수풍뎅이, 'General beetle') is similar in nature. In Chinese the beetle is called '獨角仙' (which translates to 'single-horned immortal') or '雙叉犀金龜'. Allomyrina dichotoma shows a striking sexual dimorphism. The males are much larger, reaching a length of 40–80 mm, while females can reach a length of about 40–60 mm. The long cephalic horn of this species has a characteristic shape in the form of the letter Y and it is used by males during the mating period and to maintain territories. By means of their forked horn they lift other males off the ground and throw them into the air. In addition to their impressive and ornate protuberance they also have a smaller thoracic horn, also forked. Their eyes may be white or red and are adapted to low light levels, as this species is nocturnal. The body is dark brown, while the ventral part of the body is black, brilliant and the front legs are unusually long. Like all Dynastinae species, these beetles are strong flyers, although they never cover long distances during the flight. The preferred foods are tree saps, fruits and anything sugary. This species is present in Japan (Honshu, Kyūshū and other islands including Okinawa), Taiwan, Korean Peninsula and eastern China. It can be found in broad-leaved forests in tropical and subtropical mountainous habitats. The Japanese rhinoceros beetle will live most of its life underground, for it only lives about four months as an actual beetle. The earliest beetles will come out of the ground in late spring; they will usually die around middle September to early October. They usually will die after mating and laying eggs. The eggs are laid directly in the ground, then hatch into a wriggling larva, which usually mature in a year. But life as an adult is short; in less than 4 months he must find and defend a territory and mate. Combat occurs between males competing for mates. Male beetles normally die in the fall after mating many times, whereas female beetles normally die after laying eggs.