Behaviour
Male Dynastes satanus a specimen from Audubon Insectarium. © M Pellegrini
Adult males are black and glossy and their elytra are very finely pitted.
Their most dramatic feature is a large “horn” arising from the pronotum, the underside of which is thickly covered in thick yellow-gold hairs. Another horn arises from the head, and males use these horns in combat over females.
In contrast females do not have a thoracic horn and are much less shiny.