Eukaryota >Animalia > Arthropoda > Insecta > Coleoptera > Scarabaeidae > Xylotrupes > Xylotrupes ulysses
A sub-family of the scarab beetle, "Rhino Beetles" are an impressive (and almost intimidating) insect.
Male Rhino Beetle - Xylotrupes ulysses. Unfortunately this little fellow has a broken horn. - Photo by Alex Pawlow
They can grow up to 7cm in length and are quite common in far north Queensland.
When disturbed, they make a loud "hissing" noise by rubbing their wings against their abdomen. This is also the males "battle cry" before whilst locking in combat over the attention of a female.
They have "hooks" or "claws" on their feet, which they use for gripping onto plants. These can hold fairly tight to your clothes or fingers, and the best way to remove them is gently "unhok them" rather than try to pull them straight off.