Titanus giganteus is the world’s biggest beetle. The largest recorded specimen was a 16.7cm long male – longer than some small adult Chihuahua dogs – and was collected in French Guiana by entomologist Patrick Bleuzen.
In spite of its imposing size, large jaws, sharp spines, and the ability to hiss and to fly, Titanus are quite harmless to humans.
They live unobtrusively, deep in some of the world’s hottest tropical jungles, where the giant grubs recycle decaying wood below ground. The adults are active for a few weeks, seeking out a mate during the hottest and most humid time of the year.
Like most inhabitants of the rainforest, this magnificent giant insect is threatened by the destruction of its forest home for timber and agriculture.
