Insect field note
Mighty little lifter
The Tiny Strongman
A rhinoceros beetle can carry about 100 times its own body weight on its back.
Let's look closer
How can such a small beetle carry so much weight?
rhinoceros beetle's body is built like a tiny suit of armor, with a hard outer shell and thick legs that give it enormous pushing power for its size. Scientists think this strength helps males shove rivals out of the way when they compete over tree sap or mates. If a person were that strong, they could lift a small car over their head.
Look for this
Explorer clue
Watch a video of a rhinoceros beetle pushing or lifting objects to see its curved horn and armored shell at work.
Your turn to wonder
Curiosity question
If you were as strong as a rhinoceros beetle, what's the heaviest thing you'd want to lift?
Keep wandering
