I was looking around hollowshade moor for these with my level 7 warrior (trying to do one of the newbie quests) and actually found a few of these that conned yellow.
So I decided to try for it...and it ripped me to shreds in seconds! I know this char isn't THAT weak.
If the beetle is this tough, why is it involved in one of the newbie quests? Other newbie quests you can finish before level 10!
My Level 15 Warrior has come across Rhinobeetles that con green, light blue and dark blue to it, so I'm not sure 17 is the right level.
The problem is that these MOBS are extremely social and aggressive: they joyfully join in any altercation and will run in to attack you from quite a distance away.
Any Newbie seeking the quest items would either need to wait, or go in a group. The other down side is that most of these MOBS yield absolutely nothing.