Saber Toothed Beetle Natural History
Size
This species grows to 17.5cm
Habitat and Distribution
Found in South American rainforests. They are ground-dwelling, flightless predators found in arid habitats in Africa and Asia.
Age
Most of this species’ life is spent in the larval stage, which can last up to 10 years, while its adult phase is likely to last no more 6 – 10 months
Diet
Adults feed on tree sap, leaves, and flowers.
Threats
The IUCN has listed this species as Vulnerable.
Groups and Breeding
Generally solitary and not social in the way ants or bees are. They live in large aggregations, but this is driven by a shared, abundant food source, rather than social cooperation. Females lay eggs under the bark of dead or dying softwood trees. The larvae hatch and burrow into the rotting wood, where they live for a long period, possibly up to 10 years, before pupating.
Interesting Facts
The saber-toothed longhorn beetle is one of the world’s largest and most impressive insects, found in the rainforests of South America.
The Saber Toothed Beetle During Your Day Out in Kent
Our Saber Toothed Beetles can be seen in the Bug Gardens alongside a wide variety of other species such as Tarantulas, Scorpions and Stick Insects.