Post by mechafire on Apr 15, 2024 18:08:05 GMT 5
I contend that when it comes to the insect/arachnid/myriapod weight class, rhinoceros beetles and stag beetles are top tier. They have tank-line builds, body anrmor, and males are equipped with huge weapons right on their faces and spend their adult stages essentially slamming the shit out of each other. It’s not like they’re carnivores or anything, the massiveness of their arsenals is just for combat. I don’t think there are any animals whose life cycle and anatomy revolves around fighting as much as stage beetles and rhinoceros beetles.
I suppose it depends on what one would consider a “win” condition. True, the most rhinoceros beetles would do most of the time is smack and toss their opponents, which, being insects, wouldn’t kill them. It’s the difference between a carnivore and a pure“fighter”. The former kills for food, while the latter is all about competition, fighting for mates and territory. Rhinoceros beetles and stage beetles aren’t as good at killing other insects, but in terms of holding their ground, asserting their will, and overpowering, I think they’re the best. They have the competitive drive to push through their opponents, armor to protect themselves, and their oversized weapons have the range to counter what other animals in their size range are packing. Like if a stage beetle and a warrior beetle were to fight, I can’t see the warrior getting past the stag’s iron defense.