Talk:Goliathus

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[edit] Too heavy

You should read this article from UF Book of Insect Records, indicating a possible maximum weight of 45 g (1.59 oz) for Goliathus (G. regius seems to be the largest of the genus). According to Guinness, the Goliath Beetle is the heaviest insect with a maximum weight of 100 g (3.53 oz); however, as the UF article suggests, an individual weighing 35 grams (1.23 oz) has likely been mislabeled as 3.5 ounces.

Furthermore, as the article suggests, the staus of Goliathus as the largest (heaviest) insect is questionable. Based on the article, I'd say Megasoma actaeon has the best claim for the title (est. max. weight 47 g/1.66 oz, max. length 135 mm/5.31 in); though there seems to bee a chance that further research may reveal Titanus giganteus to be even heavier (I've seen weights of 37.5 g/1.32 oz and 45 g/1.59 oz for this species; maximum length 167 mm/6.57 in).

More research and reference is needed before changing the stats. --Siva1979Talk to me 21:46, 19 April 2006 (UTC)