WTF • Fun • Fact    ( /dʌb(ə)lˌju/  /ti/   /ef/ • /fʌn/ • /fækt/ )

     1. noun  A random, interesting, and overall fun fact that makes you scratch your head and think what the...

WTF Fun Fact 13534 – The Roundest Object in the World

When it comes to spherical perfection, nothing we’ve ever discovered in space beats Kepler-11145123, the roundest object in the world. This distant star is located about 5,000 light-years away from Earth.

What Defines “Round”?

Before diving into Kepler-11145123, it’s essential to understand what we mean by “round.” Most celestial objects take on a somewhat spherical shape due to the gravitational forces pulling matter toward their centers. However, the force of their rotation tends to squash them at the poles and widen them at the equator, causing an oblate spheroid shape. The difference between the equatorial and polar diameters of a celestial body measures its “roundness.”

Kepler-11145123 was initially discovered as part of NASA’s Kepler mission, designed to find exoplanets by observing stars and the tiny dimming caused by planets passing in front of them. While that was Kepler’s primary task, its trove of data fueled other groundbreaking research as well. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany used these precise observations to study the star’s oscillations, which provided clues about its internal structure and, fascinatingly, its shape.

A Surprising Level of Perfection

What truly sets Kepler-11145123 apart is the astonishingly small difference between its equatorial and polar diameters. The star’s equatorial diameter exceeds its polar diameter by a mere 3 km, despite having a diameter of 1.5 million km overall. This difference is microscopic on a cosmic scale and represents an unprecedented level of spherical perfection. For context, the disparity between the Earth’s equatorial and polar diameters is about 42 km, a figure that suddenly feels gigantic compared to this distant star.

The Science Behind the Shape

Kepler-11145123’s almost-perfect roundness is intriguing and prompts the question: how did it get so round? One leading hypothesis is that magnetic fields within the star could be redistributing mass, making it more spherical. However, researchers also point out that the star’s slow rotation rate plays a significant role. The slower an object rotates, the less it gets flattened due to centrifugal forces. Kepler-11145123 spins at a much slower rate than our Sun, thus maintaining its almost perfect shape.

Broader Implications of Being the Roundest Object in the World

The discovery of Kepler-11145123’s unique shape has broader implications for our understanding of astrophysics. It forces scientists to reevaluate models of star evolution, as well as the role magnetic fields play in shaping celestial bodies. Furthermore, this finding might have implications for exoplanet studies. A star’s shape can influence the stability of its planetary orbits, which in turn could have consequences for planetary climates and habitability.

Why Should We Care About the Roundest Object in the World?

Apart from the sheer wonder of discovering such a perfectly round object in space, understanding Kepler-11145123 can help scientists refine their models of stellar behavior and evolution. These models are fundamental to our grasp of the universe, from the life cycles of stars to the forces that shape galaxies. The more accurate our models become, the better we can understand a host of other phenomena, including potentially habitable exoplanets.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Distant star Kepler 11145123 is the roundest object ever observed in nature” — Astronomy Now

WTF Fun Fact 13533 – The Matrix Code is Sushi

Nearly two decades ago, the Wachowskis unveiled the first film in their iconic trilogy, captivating fans worldwide with its intricate storyline and rich mythos – but do you know the secret of The Matrix code? The iconic green code that rains down the screen in the film has a deliciously surprising backstory.

Simon Whiteley: The Man Behind The Matrix Code

Simon Whiteley, a British production designer, deserves the credit for this innovative visual. During an interview with CNET, he spilled the beans: the Matrix code has its roots in a Japanese cookbook owned by his wife. He scanned the characters from the pages and then digitally transformed them into the green symbols we’ve come to associate with this cinematic universe.

From Sushi to Cyberspace

“I like telling everyone that the Matrix code comes from Japanese sushi recipes,” Whiteley divulged. Yes, you read that right—sushi recipes. He took mundane elements from his domestic life and manipulated them into something extraordinary. The phrase “Without that code, the Matrix doesn’t exist,” could never ring truer.

The Wachowskis effectively used the green code to hint at the nature of the Matrix from the film’s very beginning. While this digital aesthetic sets up the film’s narrative, its origin remains a delightful secret. With its new-found connection to a cookbook, the green code is not just mysterious but also relatable and even comical.

A Recipe Hidden in Plain Sight?

Given its culinary origins, one can’t help but speculate: Is there a complete sushi recipe encrypted within that green text? While Whiteley’s revelation is a fun nugget of information, it opens up amusing avenues of speculation. What if this distraction is precisely what the Matrix wants, to keep us from questioning our own reality?

The green code has captivated millions, inspired parodies, and sparked numerous discussions about virtual reality and existence. But its roots in a simple sushi cookbook serve as a humorous reminder that even complex systems can have unexpectedly mundane beginnings.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “The Matrix Code Is Actually a Sushi Recipe” — Nerdist

WTF Fun Fact 13532 – Neanderthal Flower Burial Evidence

A possible explanation for a Neanderthal flower burial is intriguing scientists.

Since the 1950s, archaeologists have shown interest in the Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq. That’s because it holds the remains of nine Neanderthals and features a “flower burial” site.

The flower burial was due to a large amount of pollen around one of the skeletons. This led to speculations about whether the pollen was part of a human burial ritual. If so, this would indicate that Neanderthals were far more complex than we previously imagined.

But recent research has introduced a new player into this ancient whodunit: bees.

What is the Neanderthal Flower Burial?

The initial interpretation of the pollen suggested a ceremonial “flower burial,” positing that the Neanderthal in question was of considerable importance, perhaps a shaman.

If true, this finding would assign attributes like empathy and ritualistic behavior to Neanderthals, traits previously thought exclusive to Middle Palaeolithic Homo sapiens.

However, some people contest the theory, arguing that other animals could have deposited the pollen by dragging flowers to their burrows, or that the pollen presence could be a mere coincidence.

Studying Pollen for Answers

Palynology, the scientific study of pollen, spores, and microscopic plankton, has provided new insights. Researchers studying the evidence from Shanidar Cave noticed that the mix of pollen species was unlikely to be in bloom at the same time.

This casts doubt on the “flower burial” theory, implying that the pollen didn’t all deposit at once.

Moreover, the mixed nature of the pollen suggests a different deposit vector, rather than placement of whole flowers in the grave.

This led to a unique hypothesis: could bees be the agents of this intriguing pollen placement?

Were Bees Responsible for the So-Called Neanderthal Flower Burial?

The idea is not as far-fetched as it sounds. Bees, especially solitary bees, gather pollen from multiple flower species. They create burrows lined with a mix of pollen for their larvae to feed upon. We’ve discovered such burrows in Shanidar Cave. Interestingly, the ancient pollen around the grave appears corroded and flattened, indicating great age and coinciding with the Neanderthals’ era.

Researchers incline toward the belief that nesting bees deposited the pollen, given their capability to forage multiple flower species simultaneously. The presence of bee burrows in the less-trafficked areas of the cave near the rear wall supports this theory. Moreover, ancient silty clay-lined insect burrows excavated from the cave further corroborate the idea that bees were active in that region during the Neanderthals’ time.

Were Other Animals Involved?

Identified immature pollen grains could have come through a different mechanism—perhaps humans, other animals, or even the wind carried them in.

It’s interesting to note that researchers have observed giving “floral funerals” to bees. However, these acts likely store food or waste rather than serve as ceremonies. This recursive loop in nature, where animals engage in practices mirroring human cultural behaviors, adds another layer to the study.

The recent study’s authors conclude that nesting bees probably deposited the mixed pollen, making the “Flower Burial” hypothesis seem unlikely.

This new perspective redirects the debate to a broader and arguably more significant question. Namely, “What does this cluster say about their sense of space, place, and perhaps, community?”

The bee hypothesis may not completely settle the mystery surrounding the Neanderthal “flower burial.” But it does open up new avenues for understanding the behaviors and interrelationships among ancient species—both human and insect—that shared the environment thousands of years ago.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Famous Neanderthal “Flower Burial” May Have Actually Been Made By… Bees” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13531 – Gef, The Talking Mongoose

Have you ever heard a talking mongoose? Of course not. But you may have heard of one. His name is Gef.

In the annals of strange occurrences and unsolved mysteries, few tales captivate the imagination quite like that of Gef the Talking Mongoose, a mysterious entity that reportedly haunted a farmhouse on the Isle of Man in the 1930s.

Some called it a spook-weasel, others a poltergeist—Gef was unlike anything anyone had ever encountered. This story combines elements of folklore, psychology, and the paranormal, and despite investigations, it has resisted a definitive explanation for nearly a century.

A Farmhouse Stirred by Strange Sounds

The story begins in 1931 when the Irving family—James, Margaret, and their daughter Voirrey—began hearing eerie sounds in their isolated home, Doarlish Cashen, near the village of Dalby. The noises included scratching, rustling, and even what could only be described as vocalizations.

Convinced they had a rodent problem, they set up traps, to no avail.

The Mongoose Appears

But then, the situation escalated. The entity—whatever it was—began to mimic the family’s speech patterns, imitating a child learning to talk. Before long, it was speaking in full sentences.

Named “Gef,” the entity claimed to be a mongoose born in New Delhi in 1852, who had survived a life fraught with danger, including being “shot at by Indians.”

Soon, Gef was having full conversations, especially with Voirrey. Incredibly, he claimed to speak multiple languages, including Russian, Manx, Hebrew, Welsh, Hindustani, Flemish, Italian, and Arabic.

Gef, The Talking Mongoose

Only Voirrey claimed to have seen the critter, describing him as the size of a small rat with a bushy tail and yellow fur. Gef was reportedly so camera-shy that he avoided being photographed. He soon became a part of the Irving family’s life, allegedly visiting neighbors and even relaying gossip back to the family, further perplexing the community.

According to the family, Gef could shape-shift and turn invisible, attributes that helped him go unnoticed on his adventures. Convenient!

As Gef’s fame spread, journalists and paranormal investigators sought to witness this phenomenon firsthand. Harry Price, a noted psychic investigator, and R.S. Lambert, the then editor of BBC magazine ‘The Listener,’ visited the Irvings to study Gef.

Upon their arrival, however, Gef became “invisible.” Harry Price examined samples of fur and paw prints provided by the family but was skeptical about their authenticity, finding them more likely to be from the family dog than any known mongoose or weasel.

The Disappearance of Gef The Talking Mongoose

Eventually, as the 1930s wore on, Gef vanished from the public eye as interest waned. Some speculate that Voirrey, who was known for her ventriloquism skills, was behind the elaborate hoax, despite her denials.

The general consensus was that Gef was either a family joke that went too far or a deliberate hoax. However, there are still those who believe the tale points to unexplained phenomena or poltergeist activity.

Despite the skepticism and the lack of definitive evidence, Gef has earned a permanent spot in the annals of British folklore and paranormal history. Whether a product of human psychology, an elaborate joke, or an actual paranormal entity, the story continues to fascinate and puzzle talking mongoose enthusiasts.

What do you think? Was he a figment of a lonely girl’s imagination, a hoax perpetuated by a family for reasons unknown, or something more unexplainable?

— WTF fun facts

Source: “We’re Proud To Introduce Gef, The Talking Mongoose That Mystified A Nation” — IFL Science

WTF Fun Fact 13530 – Lost Nuclear Weapons

Would you believe 6 U.S. has lost nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons are often regarded as the pinnacle of military technology—devastatingly powerful and carefully guarded. Yet, even with stringent safety protocols, accidents and mistakes have happened.

The United States has lost control of six nuclear weapons, events referred to as “Broken Arrows.” These instances pose questions about the security and accountability measures governing the world’s most powerful arsenals.

The Incidents of Lost Nuclear Weapons

  1. 1950 – British Columbia: The first known loss occurred when a B-36 bomber experienced engine trouble. While en route from Alaska to Texas, the crew jettisoned the nuclear bomb over the Pacific Ocean before safely landing the plane. Despite search efforts, the bomb remains missing to this day.
  2. 1956 – Mediterranean Sea: Another instance occurred when a B-47 took off from Florida and disappeared without a trace over the Mediterranean Sea. The bomber was carrying two nuclear weapon cores. Neither the plane nor the weapons have been found.
  3. 1958 – Savannah, Georgia: A collision between a B-47 and an F-86 led to the bomber dropping a nuclear weapon into the waters near Tybee Island. The weapon, which was not armed with a fissile warhead, has yet to be recovered despite repeated search missions.
  4. 1961 – Goldsboro, North Carolina: In a near-catastrophic event, a B-52 carrying two nuclear bombs broke apart mid-air. One of the bombs deployed its parachute and was safely recovered, but the other fell into a muddy field and broke apart. The uranium core was never found.
  5. 1965 – Palomares, Spain: Another mid-air collision led to a B-52 dropping four hydrogen bombs near Palomares. Although the non-nuclear explosives in two bombs detonated upon impact, contaminating the area with plutonium, all four were eventually recovered.
  6. 1968 – Thule, Greenland: A B-52 crashed into sea ice near Thule Air Base, causing the onboard nuclear weapons to explode on impact sans nuclear detonation. The cleanup operation was only partially successful. It’s believed that one of the four nuclear weapons is still buried in the ice.

Implications

The loss of nuclear weapons has significant political, environmental, and security implications. Politically, these incidents have strained U.S. relations with other nations and led to debates on the control and management of nuclear arsenals. Environmentally, the incidents pose a risk of radioactive contamination, as seen in the Palomares incident. From a security standpoint, the loss of these weapons could pose a catastrophic risk if they were to fall into the wrong hands.

Accountability and Measures

The United States has invested significant resources into locating these missing nuclear weapons, often in collaboration with the countries where these incidents occurred. Advances in technology have aided in search efforts, but the success has been limited.

Stringent protocols have been put in place to prevent similar incidents. The military has also increased transparency with the public regarding these incidents. But much information remains classified for national security reasons.

The Uncomfortable Truth

The fact remains that six nuclear weapons are unaccounted for. While the chances of these weapons being operational are low. Bu their mere existence poses an existential threat that underscores the importance of stringent safety and security measures. As nuclear arsenals continue to evolve, the lessons learned from these “Broken Arrow” incidents remain a cautionary tale for all nations.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Broken Arrows: Nuclear Weapons Accidents” — Atomic Archive

WTF Fun Fact 13529 – Beer Powered Motorcycle

Would you drive a beer powered motorcycle?

When it comes to invention and innovation, few names light up the room like Ky Michaelson, a Minnesota legend better known by his nickname, “the Rocketman.” With a lifetime of exploits in speed and engineering, from partnering with deaf stuntwoman Kitty O’Neil to setting over 70 state, national, and international speed records, Michaelson is a man who seems to never run out of fuel—both literally and metaphorically.

However, his latest project, a motorcycle powered by beer, adds another layer of allure to his already fascinating life story.

From Speed Records to Stuntman Collaborations

To begin appreciating the significance of the beer-powered motorcycle, it’s essential to dive into Michaelson’s career first. His roots in speed started with his partnership with Kitty O’Neil during the 1970s. O’Neil set the land speed record for the fastest woman on four wheels in 1976, reaching an eye-watering speed of 512 miles per hour. Michaelson’s reputation gained more traction after his work with O’Neil caught the attention of Hollywood stuntman Dar Robinson. Together, they worked on projects for movies like Logan’s Run, Airplane, the Police Academy series, and Lethal Weapon until Robinson’s untimely death in 1986.

Return to Rocket Roots

After Robinson’s death, Michaelson returned to Minnesota and went back to his first love: rockets. This man is not just about speed; he’s also about the extraordinary means to achieve it. He’s built a rocket-powered toilet and set a Guinness record with a rocket-powered snowmobile. Even his kitchen gadgets are high-speed, like a high-speed margarita maker with a weed-eater motor. Michaelson’s imagination knows no bounds, as he continually seeks to innovate and defy the norm.

Beer-Powered Motorcycle Innovation

Perhaps his most extraordinary creation is the beer-powered motorcycle. Designed alongside his son, Buddy, this unique machine swaps out the conventional gas engine for a 14-gallon keg. Yes, you read that correctly.

The motorcycle is fueled by beer heated to over 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows it to generate enough steam power to propel the bike forward. Interestingly, Ky Michaelson is not a drinker, making the choice of beer as fuel even more fascinating.

His pragmatic viewpoint? “The price of gas is getting up there. I don’t drink, so I can’t think of anything better than to use it for fuel.”

The Science Behind the Suds

The beer in the 14-gallon keg is heated by a coil until it reaches a boiling point of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it hits this temperature, the steam is forced out through a nozzle at the back of the bike, providing the thrust necessary for propulsion.

According to Michaelson’s calculations, the bike should be able to reach a top speed of about 150 miles per hour, although this hasn’t been tested yet.

Future of the Beer Powered Motorcycle

While the bike has already been showcased at local events and won awards, Michaelson aims to test its full capabilities at a drag strip soon. What’s more, the beer-cycle may eventually find its way into his in-house museum, alongside other fascinating inventions.

Interestingly, it doesn’t have to be beer fuel. Buddy, Michaelson’s son, stated that virtually any beverage could power the bike, opening the doors to further innovation. Could we see a coffee-powered or even Red Bull-powered version of the bike soon? Only time will tell.

So, the next time you pour yourself a cold beer, take a moment to think of Ky Michaelson, a man who saw a tankard not as a vessel for a drink, but as a fuel tank for uncharted possibilities. Cheers to that.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “A Minnesota Man Invented a Motorcycle That Runs on Beer” — Food & Wine

WTF Fun Fact 13528 – Crows and Owls

Nature offers many rivalries, but few are as captivating as the longstanding feud between crows and owls. These two avian species don’t see eye to eye, and their interactions are often intense.

Crows and Owls

Crows belong to the corvid family, known for intelligence and complex social structures. They live in groups called murders and often roam their territories searching for food. Crows are highly adaptable and can survive in various environments, from rural areas to cities.

Owls are the masters of silent hunting, capable of swooping down on prey without making a sound. They belong to different families, but most are solitary and nocturnal. Owls rely on their keen sense of hearing and exceptional night vision to locate and capture prey.

The Sources of the Dispute Between Crows and Owls

Both crows and owls are carnivorous and sometimes target the same food sources. Small mammals, insects, and even other birds fall into their menus. This dietary overlap fuels competition and neither species appreciates a rival infringing on its hunting ground.

These animals often stake out territories that overlap. Crows are territorial creatures and defend their space fiercely. Owls, though less social, are equally protective of their hunting grounds. When territories collide, so do the birds.

Crows are diurnal, active during the day, while most owls are nocturnal, active at night. You’d think this would minimize conflict, but it doesn’t. Crows often spot owls resting in trees during the day and raise an alarm. The noisy cawing alerts other crows, and soon a mob forms to drive the owl away.

Mobbing: A Crow’s Defense Mechanism

Crows engage in a behavior called “mobbing” when they encounter a predator like an owl. They swarm the predator, cawing loudly, diving at it, and even pecking it to drive it away. This tactic usually works, as the owl becomes overwhelmed and leaves the area.

Crows initiate these confrontations for a reason. Owls pose a threat to young crows and eggs, making them a natural enemy. By driving an owl away, crows protect their offspring from becoming a meal.

Owls are not the aggressors in these encounters, but they aren’t passive victims either. When cornered, owls will fight back. Their sharp talons and beaks are formidable weapons. However, they prefer to avoid such confrontations and will often vacate an area if mobbed regularly by crows.

Survival of the Smartest

The crow-owl rivalry isn’t just about survival but also intellectual engagement. Crows seem to understand that owls are predators, and their mobbing behavior suggests advanced problem-solving skills. Owls, for their part, know to evade areas frequented by aggressive crows.

The Role of Humans

Humans indirectly contribute to this rivalry by altering natural habitats. Urbanization pushes these birds closer together, making encounters more frequent. Ironically, human presence can also offer temporary truces; both species are known to raid human trash bins for easy meals, sometimes tolerating each other’s presence for the sake of food.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Crows vs Owls: What is going on?” — Carleton College

WTF Fun Fact 13527 – World’s Oldest Chicken

Meet Peanut, a 21-year-old bantam hen from Waterloo, Michigan. Recently dubbed the world’s oldest living chicken by Guinness World Records, Peanut has shattered all norms surrounding avian longevity. In a world where the average chicken lives only 5 to 10 years, Peanut’s journey is not just fascinating but also scientifically intriguing.

A Chick with Grit

Peanut’s life started on rocky ground. Abandoned in a frozen egg by her mother, she was minutes away from being a meal for a hungry fox. However, a chirp for help made Marsi Parker Darwin, the owner of Darwin’s Eden Farm, reconsider the decision to discard the seemingly lifeless egg.

Marsi carefully broke the shell and gave Peanut her first taste of life, one she wasn’t willing to give up so easily.

A Bird With Identity

Most chickens live an ordinary life, but not Peanut. From the beginning, she exhibited an unconventional personality. She relished human company, often perching on Marsi’s arm or sitting quietly in her pocket.

According to Marsi, Peanut never saw herself as a ‘normal’ chicken but rather as an individual deserving of a place on Darwin’s Eden, a farm that serves as a sanctuary for various animals.

Peanut’s Secret to Being the World’s Oldest Chicken

The question that puzzles many is, how did Peanut manage to live this long? Marsi credits a well-rounded diet and specialized care for her animals. However, even she believes there must be an unknown ‘x-factor’ that has contributed to Peanut’s record-breaking longevity.

Documenting a Lifetime: Photography as Proof

To establish Peanut’s age and hence claim her title, Marsi had to provide proof. Thanks to a well-documented life in pictures, Marsi could substantiate Peanut’s age. Each photograph captured was not just a moment frozen in time but an irrefutable piece of evidence that showcased Peanut’s extraordinary lifespan.

Peanut’s story isn’t confined to Darwin’s Eden. She’s been immortalized in a children’s book, penned by none other than Marsi herself. The book goes beyond narrating Peanut’s unique life; it also serves as a moral lesson, encouraging kids to overcome obstacles and never lose hope, much like Peanut did when she chirped for her life.

Will She Build the Oldest Chicken Ever?

As Peanut enjoys her twilight years, the world is watching to see if she’ll break the record for the oldest chicken ever, currently held by a 23-year-old hen named Muffy. While age may be catching up with her, Peanut’s story serves as a testament to resilience, the power of care, and the miraculous outcomes that can arise from unexpected beginnings.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Meet Peanut, a 21-year–old chicken and world record holder” — NPR

WTF Fun Fact 13526 – Hercules Beetle

The Hercules beetle is a wonder in the world of insects, renowned for its colossal size and unique morphology. Originating from the rainforests of Central and South America, this beetle has a horn that can even surpass its own body length, making it a subject of intrigue for both scientists and insect enthusiasts.

Physical Characteristics of the Hercules Beetle

Notably, male Hercules beetles are the ones that sport elongated horns, which they primarily use for battling rivals when competing for mates. These horns boast a unique inner structure, built much like a honeycomb. This internal design enhances the horn’s durability while keeping it lightweight. The beetle’s strength-to-weight ratio is astounding; it has the capability to lift an astonishing 850 times its body weight. This herculean feat is what lends the beetle its mythological name, Hercules.

The life cycle of a Hercules beetle comprises four key stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Among these, the larval stage stretches the longest, often up to two years. During this period, the larvae sustain themselves on decaying wood, hidden away from predators.

Interestingly, the diet of the Hercules beetle is mostly plant-based. The larvae feed on rotting wood, aiding in forest decomposition. Adults prefer sugary foods like fruit, but also consume tree sap. This diet provides both nourishment and hydration, necessary for their survival in the wild.

The horn plays a pivotal role in the beetle’s mating rituals. Males engage in combative duels using their horns, tossing rivals off logs and branches to win the favor of a female. The horn, therefore, is not just for show but a tool for survival and propagation.

Human Engagement

Due to their unique appearance and relatively low maintenance, Hercules beetles have become popular pets. Beyond this, the scientific community is profoundly interested in these beetles. Studies often focus on the properties of the beetle’s exoskeleton, which could inspire advances in materials science.

Currently, it is not categorized as an endangered species. However, looming threats like habitat loss due to rampant deforestation put their population at risk. Environmental agencies emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect this fascinating species.

Cultural Relevance

The Hercules beetle has permeated cultural consciousness in several ways. In Japan, children engage in beetle sumo wrestling as a form of entertainment. Additionally, the Hercules beetle appears in folklore and art, where it symbolizes traits like strength and bravery, much like its namesake.

The Hercules beetle captivates our imagination with its sheer size, unparalleled strength, and unique anatomical features. It serves as a vital subject in both scientific research and cultural narratives. Although it might not possess the divine attributes of its namesake, the Greek demigod Hercules, this remarkable beetle holds its own as a force in the natural world.

— WTF fun facts

Source: “Hercules Beetle” — AZ Animals