Wesley Fleming , artist

Hercules Beetle - 2008, Effetre glass, 2.75" x 1.75" x 1"

Native to the rain forests of Central and South America, their title is well deserved as they are one of the largest beetles known. This scarab beetle is most noted for its thoracic and cephalic horns, which can grow longer than the body of the beetle itself. This adaptation is primarily used during fights with other males.

The Hercules beetle is said to be the strongest creature on earth for its size, able to carry 80 times its own body weight.