The Japanese rhinoceros beetle is found across East and Southeast Asia. In Japan, it’s called kabutomushi (meaning “helmet insect,” after the samurai-style horn). Males grow a large Y-shaped horn, with a smaller fork on the thorax that makes their headgear look like a two-pronged “Y.” These horns are used in battles to grapple rivals.

Japanese rhinoceros beetles are typically dark reddish-brown, often appearing nearly black in low light. Males are larger, about 4-8 cm long, while females reach 3.5-6 cm. Their wings are strong enough to lift their hefty bodies and even the horn, so they are surprisingly good fliers.