Talk:Goliathus

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[edit] Too heavy

You should read this article from UF Book of Insect Records, indicating a possible maximum weight of 45 g (1.59 oz) for Goliathus (G. regius seems to be the largest of the genus). According to Guinness, the Goliath Beetle is the heaviest insect with a maximum weight of 100 g (3.53 oz); however, as the UF article suggests, an individual weighing 35 grams (1.23 oz) has likely been mislabeled as 3.5 ounces.

Furthermore, as the article suggests, the staus of Goliathus as the largest (heaviest) insect is questionable. Based on the article, I'd say Megasoma actaeon has the best claim for the title (est. max. weight 47 g/1.66 oz, max. length 135 mm/5.31 in); though there seems to bee a chance that further research may reveal Titanus giganteus to be even heavier (I've seen weights of 37.5 g/1.32 oz and 45 g/1.59 oz for this species; maximum length 167 mm/6.57 in). —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.221.220.31 (talk • contribs) 21:38, 19 April 2006

More research and reference is needed before changing the stats. --Siva1979Talk to me 21:46, 19 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Defensive Mechanism

I remember, when I was younger and keen on insects, reading a book that involved a small section on the goliath beetle. Besides basic measurements and identifications, it also went into brief detail about a defensive mechanism where the goliath beetle 'clamps' itself onto a creature's arm or leg, and is very difficult to remove, and almost impossible without help. I know I've probably still got this book around, so while once I find it I'll put the information here and possibly edit the article with the text as a citation. Xander T. 16:54, 9 November 2007 (UTC)