The life cycle of the Goliath beetle (genus Goliathus) consists of four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
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Life Cycle Stages
Egg Stage
The female lays eggs in soil or decaying organic matter such as wet leaves or rotting logs.
Eggs hatch in about 2 weeks (12-14 days).
Goliath beetle life cycle
Larval Stage
Larvae (grubs) feed on decaying plant material initially, then require a high-protein diet (in captivity often supplemented with dog or cat food).
Larvae grow slowly over several months, typically around 4 months, reaching up to 250 mm (9.8 inches) in length and weighing over 100 grams, making them the heaviest stage of the beetle’s life.
When fully grown, the larva constructs a thin-walled, hardened cocoon or cell made of sandy soil for pupation.
Pupal Stage
Inside the cocoon, the larva transforms into the pupal stage, during which its tissues break down and reorganize into the adult beetle form.
This stage lasts several weeks to months.
After pupation, the adult beetle emerges by shedding the pupal skin but remains inside the cocoon for a period of hibernation until environmental conditions improve, typically until the end of the dry season or until rains soften the cocoon walls.
Adult Stage
The adult beetle emerges from the cocoon with a hardened exoskeleton.
Adults feed on sugary substances such as tree sap and fruit.
They focus primarily on reproduction, with males using their characteristic Y-shaped horns to compete for mates.
Adult lifespan in the wild is shorter due to predation and environmental factors but can be up to about a year in captivity; typically, adults live around 3 months in nature.
After mating, females lay eggs in soil or decaying matter, restarting the cycle.
Summary Table
Stage Duration Key Features Diet
Egg ~2 weeks Laid in soil or decaying matter N/A
Larva ~4 months Grows to large size, builds cocoon for pupation Decaying plant matter, high-protein food
Pupa Several weeks/months Metamorphosis inside cocoon, inactive N/A
Adult ~3 months (wild) to ~1 year (captive) Emerges after hibernation, reproduces Tree sap, fruit
This life cycle reflects the adaptation of Goliath beetles to tropical African environments, with larval growth timed to wet seasons and adult activity focused on reproduction during favorable conditions