The statue of Herkimer has been the trademark of the May Museum since 1952. He is a male specimen replica of one of the world’s largest beetles, Dynastes Hercules, which is native to the West Indies. The scale is one-foot equals ¼ inch which makes Herkimer 48 times larger than an actual Hercules beetle.
Herkimer has been in his current location, at the entrance to Rock Creek Canyon along Highway 115 for more than sixty years. Prior to this time, he was part of the traveling May Tropical Exhibition. When the collection was housed in Weeki Watchee Springs, Florida in the 1950’s, Herkimer marked the entrance to the exhibit.
Actual Hercules beetles can be seen in the museum collection. Specimens can be up to nine inches long, weigh half a pound and often males can carry the females around in their two big jaws.
In the spring of 2022, Herkimer underwent a major restoration process. Watch the progress of the project here on our video blog.
Herkimer has been in his current location, at the entrance to Rock Creek Canyon along Highway 115 for more than sixty years. Prior to this time, he was part of the traveling May Tropical Exhibition. When the collection was housed in Weeki Watchee Springs, Florida in the 1950’s, Herkimer marked the entrance to the exhibit.
Actual Hercules beetles can be seen in the museum collection. Specimens can be up to nine inches long, weigh half a pound and often males can carry the females around in their two big jaws.
In the spring of 2022, Herkimer underwent a major restoration process. Watch the progress of the project here on our video blog.
Column align: middle
710 Rock Creek Canyon Rd
Colorado Springs, CO 80926
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May Natural History Museum