Named for its resemblance to the rhinoceros, the rhinoceros beetle has a distinguishing large horn that is used for defense, foraging through the jungle and to dig burrows so as to hide from predators. Although it is a rare occurrence, the beetle may also use its horn to battle with another male over territory. The Rhinoceros Beetle is known for its remarkable body strength and can carry 100 times its own weight, making it the strongest creature on earth, according to research by Michigan State University.
Leafcutter ants are an asset to the Amazon rainforest's ecosystem and supply nutrients to the forest floor, where they reside. Leafcutter ants have a complex agriculture system in which they gather fragments from various species of trees and plants and put them to use in their fungus garden, which serves as their food source. Each ant in the colony has its own duty, such as babysitter, colony defender, leaf cutter, gardener or forager. Their colony typically consists of an underground complex, complete with tunnels and chambers, where they harvest their fungus gardens and shelter themselves from environmental or predatory threats. Natural predators of the leafcutter ant include the Nine-Banded Armadillo, the Giant Anteater and certain carnivorous flies.
The Titan beetle is a member of the family Cerambycidae and is the only member of its genus. It is one of the largest insect species in the world and the largest known beetle in the Amazon rainforest. Adult beetles are known to grow as large as 15 centimeters in length, not including their antennae. Although no research has been conducted with regard to their larvae, they are thought to feed inside wood and take several years to reach their full size. Adult Titan beetles ward off predators by hissing as a warming and also have sharp spines and strong mandibles that are thought to be strong enough to cut through human flesh or snap a pencil.
