Rhinoceros Beetles, Subfamily Dynastinae

Rhinoceros Beetles, Subfamily Dynastinae Members of the beetle subfamily Dynastinae include some impressive-looking beetles with impressive-sounding names: rhinoceros beetles, elephant beetles, and Hercules beetles. The group includes some of the largest extant insects on Earth, many with impressive horns. For purposes of this article, we will use the term rhinoceros beetles to represent all members of this subfamily. Description: Rhinoceros beetles and other members of the subfamily Dynastinae are usually convex and rounded in shape (similar to lady beetles in shape, but much larger). The species that inhabit North America aren’t as large as those found in other parts of the world, but our eastern Hercules beetles (Dynastes tityus) reach a still-impressive 2.5 inches long. Identification of this subfamily requires some knowledge of beetle morphology and its associated terminology. In rhinoceros beetles, the labrum (upper lip) is hidden beneath a rounded, shield-like structure called the clypeus. Rhinoceros beetle antennae consist of 9-10 segments, usually with the last 3 segments forming a small club. For additional identifying traits of this subfamily, please refer to the details provided on the Generic Guide to the New World Scarab Beetles website. Classification: Kingdom – AnimaliaPhylum – ArthropodaClass – InsectaOrder – ColeopteraFamily - ScarabaeidaeSubfamily - Dynastinae Diet: Rhinoceros beetles and other members of the subfamily Dynastinae generally feed on decomposing vegetation (rotting wood, leaf litter, etc.) as larvae. Many adults feed on decaying plant roots underground, although some species also appear to feed on sap and fermenting fruit. Life Cycle: Like all beetles, rhinoceros beetles undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Some species are relatively long-lived as insects go, and may take up to two years to reach maturity. Special Adaptations and Defenses: Male rhinoceros beetles often bear large horns, either on the head or the pronotum, which they use to joust with other males in battles over territory. Remarkably, recent research showed these enormous and bulky horns don’t impede the male rhinoceros beetle’s ability to fly. Range and Distribution: Rhinoceros beetles and their kin live throughout the world, with the exception of the polar regions, and are most diverse in the tropics. Scientists have described about 1,500 species to date and subdivided these into eight tribes within the subfamily Dynastinae. Sources: Borror and DeLong’s Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th edition, by Charles A. Triplehorn and Norman F. Johnson.Subfamily Dynastinae - Rhinoceros Beetles, BugGuide.Net. Accessed July 20, 2013.Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, by Eric R. Eaton and Kenn Kaufman.Dynastinae, Generic Guide to New World Scarab Beetles, University of Nebraska State Museum. Accessed July 20, 2013.Volume 1: Morphology and Systematics (Archostemata, Adephaga, Myxophaga, Polyphaga partim), by Rolf G. Beutel and Richard Leschen. Accessed via Google Books on July 20, 2013.Elaborate horns in a giant rhinoceros beetle incur negligible aerodynamic costs, Erin L. McCullough and Bret W. Tobalske, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. Accessed online July 20, 2013.

Warren G. Harding - 29th President of the United States

Warren G. Harding - 29th President of the United States Warren G. Hardings Childhood and Education Warren G. Harding was born on November 2, 1865 in Corsica, Ohio. His father was a doctor but he grew up on a farm. He learned at a small local school. At 15, he attended Ohio Central College and graduated in 1882. Family Ties Harding was the son of two doctor: George Tryon Harding and  Phoebe Elizabeth Dickerson. He had tour sisters and one brother. On  July 8, 1891, Harding married  Florence Mabel Kling DeWolfe. She was divorced with one son. Harding is known to have had two extramarital affairs while married to Florence. He had no legitimate children. However, he did have one daughter through an extramarital affair with Nan Britton. Warren G. Hardings Career Before the Presidency Harding tried being a teacher, an insurance salesman, and a reporter before buying a newspaper called the Marion Star. In 1899, he was elected as an Ohio State Senator. He served until 1903. He then was elected to be lieutenant governor of Ohio. He attempted to run for the governorship but lost in 1910. In 1915, he became a U.S. Senator from Ohio. He served until 1921 when he became president. Becoming the President Harding was nominated to run for president for the Republican Party as a dark horse candidate. His running mate was Calvin Coolidge. He was opposed by Democrat James Cox. Harding won easily with 61% of the vote. Events and Accomplishments of Warren G. Harding’s Presidency President Hardings time in office was marked by some major scandals. The most significant scandal was that of Teapot Dome. Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall secretly sold the right to oil reserves in Teapot Dome, Wyoming to a private company in exchange for $308,000 and some cattle. He also sold the rights to other national oil reserves. He was caught and ended up being sentenced to one year in jail. Other officials under Harding were also implicated or convicted of bribery, fraud, conspiracy, and other forms of wrongdoing. Harding died before the events affected his presidency. Unlike his predecessor, Woodrow Wilson, Harding did not support America joining the League of Nations. His opposition meant that America did not join at all. The body ended in failure without Americas participation. Even though America did not ratify the Treaty of Paris ending World War I, Harding did sign a joint resolution officially ending the state of war between Germany and America. In 1921-22, America agreed to a limit of arms according to a set tonnage ratio between Great Britain, the U.S., Japan, France, and Italy. Further, America entered pacts to respect Pacific property of Great Britain, France, and Japan and to preserve the Open Door Policy in China. During Hardings time, he also spoke out on civil rights and pardoned Socialist Eugene V. Debs who had been convicted of anti-war demonstrations during World War I. On August 2, 1923, Harding died of a heart attack. Historical Significance Harding is seen as one of the worst presidents in American History. Much of this is due to the number of scandals that his appointees were involved in. He was important for keeping America out of the League of Nations while meeting with key nations to attempt to limit arms. He created the Bureau of the Budget as the first formal budgetary body. His early death probably saved him from impeachment over the many scandals of his administration.