I found this impressive beetle lying dead alongside the trail in Abbo’s Alley. The two large horns identify it as a male. The somewhat fearsome appearance belies the animal’s nature. Hercules beetles are harmless creatures, feeding on rotting wood as larvae (fat white grubs, usually found in dead wood or tree holes) and nibbling on leaves or plant sap as adults. The horns are used as wrestling aides when males tussle during the mating season.