Galapagos Giant Long-Horned Beetle

Mallodon chevrolatii galapagoensis

Growing over 2.5 inches long, this is the largest beetle in the Galapagos. It has powerful mandibles up to 0.5 inches long that it uses in defense, in territory or mating disputes, and to cut vegetation. While its adult jaws are strong, it is actually the larva who put a strong mandible to use. Using powerful muscles, the larvae use their jaws to bore into solid, decaying wood to feed and create tunnels.

Recorded lineage

kingdomAnimaliaphylumArthropodaclassInsectaorderColeopterafamilyCerambycidaegenusMallodonspeciesMallodon chevrolatiisubspeciesMallodon chevrolatii galapagoensis

Recorded as Stenodontes molarius galapagoensis; the Charles Darwin Foundation lists the current combination under Mallodon.

Observed

Mar 1, 2026

Location

Santa Rosa, Ecuador