Hemiphileurus illatus

Two larvae

As adults, this species is black or dark reddish-brown with a pitted thorax and elytra. All six legs have short spines. They are 19 - 25 mm long.[5] They have not been observed to fly.

These beetles have a pair horns on the head but unlike many species in their subfamily Dynastinae, they lack the big singular rhinoceros-like horn. Both sexes grow horns but the females' are much smaller.

As larvae, they have cream-colored bodies and reddish-brown heads. They have a C-shaped posture, and move on their sides when above ground.[6]

A pupa

As pupae, they are exarate with the ability to move their abdominal segments.

H. illatus is found in the Southwestern United States, primarily Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and California. It is found in urban and rural areas.

Adults are detritivores and scavengers. They will eat fresh or rotting plant matter and other dead insects. In captivity, they will eat freshly-killed mealworms, fruits, and vegetables.[7]

Both adults and larvae prefer to be underground and burrow when possible. In captivity, they can be kept together or with other insect species relatively safely, but they may eat wounded or weak adults, and larvae/pupae if they have the opportunity. [8]

In urban areas within their range, larvae and adults may be found around compost heaps.

A collection of dead specimens showing size range

These two subspecies belong to the species Hemiphileurus illatus:

• Hemiphileurus illatus illatus
• Hemiphileurus illatus mexicanus Endrödi, 1978