dynastidæ

[Mod. Lat. dynastes Greek dynastes a ruler, a master, and Lat. fem. pl. adj. suff. -idœ.] Entom.: A family of lamellicorn coleopterous insects. They are remarkably powerful, and may be regarded as the giants of the Coleoptera. They burrow in the earth and in putrescent timber, on which they chiefly feed. They are principally natives of tropical countries. They include the Atlas-beetle, the Elephant-beetle, the Hercules beetle, .