I really have a particular fondness for this
grand species; the largest beetle this side of
Arizona.
When I first saw it pictured (as a youngster) of
8 yrs. in my 1st (Zim)/Book of Insects -- my eyes
boggled !...
...Your thread here was just the "spur" I needed to reflect
upon my several occasions at capturing, admiring, and
keeping alive this species on a diet of peaches.
The last 2 which I collected was back on June.29.2018
I picked up two males and a female all in the same night
and within my first 15 minutes at a location I check for
moths.
Here are the two males (just after capture)...
...And here is one of them with his legs sprawled-out
on a sheet of paper...
...These fellows are just plain FUN to hold and admire.
They are quite strong and can really hold-on to your
fingers. They are also a little pungent and if they feel
bothered or threatened they seem to force air out of
their spiracles (enough to be audible).
They are credible and quite capable fliers as I have
personally seen one come in for a landing ! Their
flight is surprisingly quiet as opposed to other beetles
which arrive "buzzing-in".
In fact, I've only observed just that one (male) in flight;
everyone else I've ever found just "appeared" seemingly
out of nowhere.