The Scarlet Beetle

History: When radiation from an atomic experiment hit an ordinary beetle, the insect was mutated and gained human-level intelligence and mental telepathy. The Scarlet Beetle then began to organize the insects of the Earth in an assault against humanity. When his communications equipment began detecting erratic signals from ants, the super-hero Ant-Man (see The Man In The Ant Hill) investigated and overheard the Scarlet Beetle's plan. Ant-Man was captured by an insect swarm, and the mutated beetle used Ant-Man's growth gas on itself to grow to human proportions, then ordered its insect armies to attack mankind. Ant-Man, with the help of his loyal ants, was able to defeat the gigantic Scarlet Beetle, then reduced the mutated beetle to normal size and counter-acted the effects of the radiation, making the Scarlet Beetle an ordinary bug once more.

The Scarlet Beetle returned with its powers on several more occasions; click HERE for a detailed list of its appearances.

Height: a fraction of an inch (originally), 6 ft. (after exposure to enlarging gas)
Demonstrated Powers: The Scarlet Beetle could telepatically command a variety of insect life forms (termites, spiders, bees, etc.), the only exception being ants (which were still loyal to Ant-Man). The Scarlet Beetle had great propotionate strength when enlarged by Ant-Man's growth gas, and was able to smash through walls.

Comment: This was the first occasion that Pym's growth gas was used to increase the size of anything (normally it was only used to counter-act the effects of the shrinking gas); it is possible the Scarlet Beetle's use of the gas to increase its size gave Henry Pym an idea that ultimately culminated in his using the chemicals to become Giant-Man in Tales to Astonish # 49.

Comment: It is unknown if the Scarlet Beetle has any connection with either version of The Scarlet Scarab (introduced in The Invaders # 23 and Thor # 326) or with the supernatural object known as The Ruby Scarab.

Actually, superheroes with a colorful insect motif—Scarlet Scarab, Blue Beetle, Yellowjacket—are all homages to the Lone Ranger's grand-nephew. The Golden Age Green Hornet! Cue “Flight of the Bumblebee.”

Woowww…;this is a REALLY scary Kirby Monster. In case you can't tell, I'm being sarcastic. Seems that ol' Smiley and the King were having a rare off day, much as they were when they created snicker Paste Pot Pete…who's about as scary as George Bush. Oh wait, that's an insult to Pete.

Hi,
He is a worthy opponent for Ant Man. He is the corrcetsize and he is evil.
What other type of adversary would such a hero as Ant Man fight against ?

Just a few words to defend one of my favorite silver-age villians, the Scarlet Beetle. This over-sized insect may seem corny to some readers, but I think that he's really a cool creature. TTA#39 is my favorite issue of that great series, and the cover & splash page artwork are classic examples of the Marvel genius at work. I bought this comic book new off the rack at a local market, as the dramatic cover really caught my eye. A battle between Ant-Man & his loyal ants and a horde of the Scarlet Beetle's insects atop a drinking fountain. I really liked the story as a kid, and I still like it a lot as an adult. What would the world be like if Ant-Man had been defeated by the Scarlet Beetle? I probably wouldn't be writing these comments about TTA#39, as I would be just another human slave under the merciless yoke of the Scarlet Beetle!

The X-Men's enemy Locust[X-Men vol.1#24(1966)] wields a “magno-ray”device capable of enlarging insects to gigantic sizes—locusts,beetles,caterpillars,wasps,praying mantises and roaches.

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