The complete lifecycle of the rhino beetle lasts several years, although the adult male beetles live quite a bit longer than the females.
The pupa stage can last several years, which is quite long for a beetle. The length of time varies depending upon species, but is largely affected by environmental factors such as temperature or drought. The larva will delay development until environmental conditions are best for their survival as adults.
European rhino beetle taking a walk on a concrete mixer by Eddy Van 3000, (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Adult rhinoceros beetles mate in the late spring and early summer. Adult females can lay up to 50 eggs in one season and usually do so in mid-summer. The eggs are usually placed in rotting wood or plant matter. This increases the likelihood of survival of the larva, since that is what they feed upon. The egg stage of the lifecycle only lasts a few weeks until eggs hatch into larvae.
Adult male rhino beetles can live up to three years, although one or two years is more common. This is quite a long lifespan for a beetle. The adult females aren’t quite so lucky, however. They usually perish not much longer after mating and laying their eggs.
Marilynn
I find them on my sidewalk and they are on their back. I flip them over only to find them back on their back. They die. I must have at least ten of them on my desk. I feel sorry for them. What can I do