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Project Noah Nature School
Xylotrupes gideon
About 5-7cm in length, with females being a bit smaller (pic #2) and lacking the "horns"; males have brown wing covers, hence the name. If disturbed they can produce a hissing sound by rubbing the abdomen against the wing covers. The male's "horns" are used to fight against rivals, the aim is lift the opponent off the ground and throw him off the branch. In Thailand, people bet on fighting beetles.
They're common in towns, attracted by lights in a hot, humid, tropical climate.
Spotted on Nov 10, 2008
Submitted on Aug 18, 2016
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