How Big Can They Get?

PLANTERS in Samoa, New Guinea, etc., who are used to puny rhinoceros beetles of an inch and-a-half or so will be laid flat in the aisles at this piece of phantasy from the usually quite sober Ade laide “Advertiser.” In Tonga, said the Advertiser” in January, “. . .

Islanders were battling immense swarms of nightmarish tropical beetles. Native hunting parties 300 strong beat through the underbrush in defence of their rich coconut groves in May last, clubbing rhino ceros beetles up to six inches in length. Among the world’s biggest insects, they drill the palms for sap and cut through the early leaf buds.”

Clubs would surely be necessary!