Much like how Siamese Dream is our favorite Smashing Pumpkins album, the Siamese Rhinoceros Beetle is probably one of our favorite beetles. It’s big, spends most of its life underground or hidden in rotting wood, gets into maybe too many fights high up in the trees, and, despite its tough-guy persona, makes a cute squeaking sound by rubbing parts of its body together when it gets scared. What’s not to like here?

Native to Southeast Asia, the Siamese Rhinoceros Beetle (Xylotrupes gideon) is a member of the scarab beetle family and one of nature's more enthusiastic wrestlers. Males sport two impressive horns that they use to lift, flip, and occasionally toss rival males off branches while competing for mates. Females, on the other hand, lack these elaborate horns entirely. Despite their intimidating appearance, these beetles are harmless to humans. All that armor and weaponry, and they can't even give you a decent bite.

As larvae, these beetles spend much of their time munching away on decomposing wood and other organic material, helping return nutrients to the soil. Once they reach adulthood, they trade their quiet lives as oversized grubs for a more exciting existence above ground. They're primarily nocturnal, capable of flight despite their bulky appearance, and occasionally find themselves drawn to artificial lights. Imagine spending most of your life eating rotten wood in the dark, only to emerge with a pair of enormous horns and immediately start picking fights. For some reason that is appealing to the writer of this copy. Go figure.

About the class:

In this hands-on, two-hour class, you will learn the full process of beetle pinning, from hydration to pinning and preservation. Our expert instructor will guide you step by step, and you will use a Paxton Gate spreading kit to transform your butterfly into a preserved specimen you will get to take home and show off.

Inside each kit, you will receive:

• 1 Box of entomology pins
• 1 Anchor pin
• 4 Strips vellum paper
• Forceps
• Pinning board
  
• Instruction pamphlet

Important Details:

Classes will be held at 766 Valencia St., San Francisco.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the class to receive store credit, redeemable for merchandise or future classes.
Pre-registration is required, as materials must be prepared for each student and space is very limited. Please arrive promptly at the start time. Students are encouraged to bring lunch or snacks.