Megasoma elephas elephas is a striking subspecies of the elephant beetle, known for its impressive size and horned appearance.
 
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, M. e. elephas belongs to the Scarabaeidae family and is one of the largest beetles in the world, with males reaching up to 13.7 cm in length including their horns. These males sport three prominent horns—two on the head and one on the thorax—used in competition for mates and food, while females lack horns entirely. Their bodies are black but densely covered in fine yellowish hairs, especially on the elytra, giving them a golden sheen. The larvae develop inside decaying logs over nearly three years, feeding on organic matter before pupating