Males have specialised horns on their head and thorax that they use to fight with each other, to gain mating rights with females.

The Atlas beetle differs from other Chalcosoma species (such as C. caucasus) by the broader end of the cephalic (head) horn.

The larva of the Atlas beetle is known for its fierce behavior, including biting if touched.

Unverified reports exist of larvae that live together fighting to the death if they have insufficient space or food.

The species is the host of a parasitoid, the giant scoliid wasp Megascolia procer, which has a paralysing venom.