Xylotrupes socrates
This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2017) |
Xylotrupes socrates | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Coleoptera |
Family: | Scarabaeidae |
Genus: | Xylotrupes |
Species: | X. socrates
|
Binomial name | |
Xylotrupes socrates
, 1864 | |
Synonyms | |
|
Xylotrupes socrates, the Siamese rhinoceros beetle, or fighting beetle (Thai : ด้วงกวางชน), is a brilliant species of large scarab beetle belonging to the subfamily Dynastinae. It is particularly known for its role in insect fighting in Thailand.
Subspecies[]
Distribution[]
This species is widespread in South-eastern Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Description[]
Like most Dynastinae, male socrates possess two horns; one on the head and another on the pronotum, both bifurcate and curling inward. These beetles have black or dark chestnut brown exoskeletons and elytra.[3]
Beetle fighting[]
These beetles are used for staging beetle fights, a traditional entertainment popular in the northern region of Thailand. They are captured and trained by their owners to become stronger and more aggressive.[4] In the fight the beetle that lifts its opponent up by its horns wins. A bug may also win if his opponent crawls away, falls or is overturned.[5] Insect fighting is mostly practiced in the Chiang Mai and Nan provinces of Thailand. It is also popular in Myanmar and Northern Laos. Spectators usually place bets on the fights.[6] Insect coaches claim that their activity provides a free pastime while drawing attention upon insects that would otherwise have been ignored or just killed as pests.[7]
Gallery[]
Rhinoceros beetle on a coin
Behavior (video)
See also[]
- Xylotrupes ulysses
- Elephant beetle
- Rhinoceros beetle
References[]
- ^ "Xylotrupes gideon". BioLib.cz. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
- ^ "Catalogue of Life - 2011 Annual Checklist :: Search all names". catalogueoflife.org. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
- ^ "Xylotrupes | Hawaiian Scarab ID". idtools.org. Retrieved 2021-05-20.
- ^ Bangkok Post - Beetle fighting revival Archived December 10, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "A travel experience: Rhinoceros beetles in Thailand's combat arena – Xylotrupes gideon L. as a Gladiator". articlesextra.com. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
- ^ Beetle fighting Archived February 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide". chiangmaitouristguide.com. Retrieved 2017-11-03.
- Rowland, J.M. (2011) Notes on nomenclature in Xylotrupes Hope (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Dynastini)
External links[]
- Media related to Xylotrupes socrates at Wikimedia Commons
- Beetles from Thailand
- Dynastinae
- Thai culture
- Beetles described in 1864
- Beetles of Asia
- Insects of Laos
- Insects of Bangladesh
- Insects of India
- Insects of Thailand
- Insects of Vietnam
- Insects of China
- Insects of Nepal
- Insects of Cambodia