I know that beetle. It is a Dynastes tityus. It is a male (which looks different from the female). Only the Dynastes tityus has spotted elytra (wings) and the two-tone face (black pinchers and light area further up). They like to breed in the decaying matter of old trees and leaves (and even in dog food!) They are found only in the eastern United States and are seen everywhere in West Virginia. They are commonly known as rhinocerus beetles because of their size.
I also heard them referred to as the Unicorn beetle, but the most common name for this beetle is the "Hercules beetle" ,which all belong to the same species according to Entomologists.
I meant to add that some unicorn beetles have no band but some do. They and the rhino beetles are indeed of the same species and often interbreed. They are all members of the larger class of scarab beetles. The common terms for beetles and other insects are often imprecise, so that is why the Latin terms are used. There are over 30,000 species of beetles. In our class, we only looked at the WV beetles, but not a Volkswagon among them!
Thanks Gersing for taking a stab at it, and you are half right. It's a beetle alright, but Randy"s comment above hit on the true identity. Some people raise these beetles for pets.
Its a horned beetle
seccondclasscitezin 1 month ago
I know that beetle. It is a Dynastes tityus. It is a male (which looks different from the female). Only the Dynastes tityus has spotted elytra (wings) and the two-tone face (black pinchers and light area further up). They like to breed in the decaying matter of old trees and leaves (and even in dog food!) They are found only in the eastern United States and are seen everywhere in West Virginia. They are commonly known as rhinocerus beetles because of their size.
RandyOldaker777 3 years ago
I also heard them referred to as the Unicorn beetle, but the most common name for this beetle is the "Hercules beetle" ,which all belong to the same species according to Entomologists.
soto4u 3 years ago
I meant to add that some unicorn beetles have no band but some do. They and the rhino beetles are indeed of the same species and often interbreed. They are all members of the larger class of scarab beetles. The common terms for beetles and other insects are often imprecise, so that is why the Latin terms are used. There are over 30,000 species of beetles. In our class, we only looked at the WV beetles, but not a Volkswagon among them!
RandyOldaker777 3 years ago
yum,yum
TheStarenater 3 years ago
It looks like a stag beetle.
gersing 3 years ago
Thanks Gersing for taking a stab at it, and you are half right. It's a beetle alright, but Randy"s comment above hit on the true identity. Some people raise these beetles for pets.
soto4u 3 years ago