Researchers from the University of Namur in Belgium have recently conducted a study that aims to solve the mystery behind the Hercules Beetle, a rhinoceros beetle from the genus Dynastes and is considered to be the strongest creature in the world.

In case you are not familiar with the Hercules Beetle's famed strength, know that it is very well capable of lifting a weight 850 times more than its own. Aside from this, however, the beetle's protective shell is also of great interest.

The species' exoskeleton or shell is able to change its color from green to black whenever the surrounding atmosphere gets more humid. Team member Marie Rassart had this to say about the species' shell feature:

The sort of structural behavior displayed by the Hercules Beetle could be an important property for "intelligent’ materials". Such materials could be put to work as humidity sensors.

This could be useful for example in food processing plants to monitor the moisture level.