This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one. You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

If an electric-powered train is traveling south, then which direction is the smoke going?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

One of the world’s most fierce looking insects is the rhinoceros beetle. However, it is totally harmless to humans.

Here are a few quick facts about the rhinoceros beetle:

Size: ranging from 1-6 inches
Color: depending on species; dark brown to greenish gray
Habitat: damp woody areas
Diet: (herbivorous) adults eat nectar, plant juices, fruit; larvae eat decaying plant matter

The rhinoceros beetle is found on every continent except Antarctica. The size varies a great deal, depending upon the climate and environmental factors.

Compared to most beetles, this species (dynastinae) is huge. Similar to a rhinoceros male (from the mammal world), males have one to three horns on their head, which gives them quite a frightening look.

The life cycle of this beetle begins with a female laying approximately 50 eggs in moist soil. When the larvae (grubs) hatch, they will stay underground for about one year. Then they are ready to pupate (transform from immature to mature) into adults.

Because of its strength, the rhinoceros beetle is sometimes called the Hercules beetle. A mature beetle is capable of lifting up to 30 times his weight without sacrificing any speed. If a human possesses this level of strength, he would be able to lift a white rhinoceros (over 5,000 pounds) without losing any speed and quickness.

In some parts of Asia, rhinoceros beetles find their way into homes as children’s pets. Their exotic appearance makes them quite popular.