Magnificent Flower Beetle Mecynorhina polyphemus (also Chelorrhina polyphemus; err Mecynorrhina polyphemus)

Magnificent Flower Beetle
Giant African Fruit Beetle
This large beetle goes by many common names including the Magnificent Flower Beetle, Giant African Fruit Beetle and the Lesser Goliath Beetle. It is native to forests of tropical Africa.
Magnificent Flower Beetle male
Giant African Fruit Beetle male
Lesser Goliath Beetle male
The adult male has a velvety appearance of his green and pale yellow back and a frontal horn used for fighting rival males.
Magnificent Flower Beetle female
Giant African Fruit Beetle female
Lesser Goliath Beetle female
The adult female has a shiny appearance and can have a green or a brown background colour. She doesn't have a horn but has a shovel for burrowing.
Magnificent Flower Beetle
Magnificent Flower Beetle
Magnificent Flower Beetle
The male can grow to 8 cm long; the Mecynorhina genus has some of the largest beetles (after the Goliath, Elephant and Titan families).
Magnificent Flower Beetle
Magnificent Flower Beetle
Magnificent Flower Beetle
Diet is leaf litter and rotting wood for grubs (larvae) and tree sap and fruit for adults.
Lesser Goliath Beetle
Lesser Goliath Beetle
Lesser Goliath Beetle
The spiky legs are also for burrowing. Despite their size, they fly well.