September 24, 2020

I'm known as a Smooth Ox Beetle

I live in pine forests and am mostly nocturnal

I build a burrow, lay eggs and leave leaf litter

For my kids to eat when they hatch, how maternal!

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Ox-Beetle

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 2, 2019

Location: Melbourne, Hundred Acre Hollows

I am a Smooth Ox Beetle
I like to live in coastal plains.
I like to eat fruit, my larvae eats roots,
And we both prefer sandy terrains.

Sources: Bug Guide - Species Strategus antaeus

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson