Mecynorhina polyphemus

Mecynorhina polyphemus is a large scarab beetle of the subfamily Cetoniinae found in dense tropical African forests, sometimes called the Polyphemus beetle. It is a frequent feeder on fruits and sap flows from tree wounds.

Mecynorhina polyphemus
Male
Female
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Coleoptera
Suborder:	Polyphaga
Infraorder:	Scarabaeiformia
Family:	Scarabaeidae
Genus:	Mecynorhina
Species:	M. polyphemus
Binomial name
Mecynorhina polyphemus (Fabricius, 1781)

The larvae develop in decomposing log compost. The third instar constructs an ovoid cocoon for metamorphosis and attaches it to a solid surface. In captivity, the instar may attach the cocoon to a glass container wall allowing the opportunity to view the transformation.^[1]

Male and female are dimorphic. The female has a shiny surface texture, reflective prismatic coloration, and no horns. The male has horns and flat, velvety coloration. Females are typically 35–55 mm, while males range from 35 to 80 mm.^[2]

Subspecies

• Mecynorrhina polyphemus polyphemus Fabricius, 1781 (Ivory Coast, Ghana; Size: ♂ 44–72 mm; ♀ 41–50 mm)
• Mecynorrhina polyphemus confluens Kraatz, 1890 (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon and Uganda; Size: ♂ 42–80 mm; ♀ 42–55 mm)