Insects are everywhere, from the deepest jungles to your backyard. They can even make unwanted cameo appearances in your kitchen. Ideally, those insects would be smaller and less intimidating than the bugs of the world. largest insect —a huge creature that must be seen to be believed.
Among these tiny titans, some huge insects have reached borderline unimaginable proportions. Let’s take a closer look at the world’s largest insects, which come in all shapes and sizes.
1. Giant weta (Deinacrida heteracantha)
The Barrier Island giant weta (or wētā) is the real heavyweight among insects.
These colossal creatures are endemic to New Zealand, an island known for its unique and sometimes spooky wildlife. Giant wētās typically grow up to 4 inches (10.2 cm) long and weigh up to 1.2 ounces (28.4 grams). That’s the size of a sparrow!
An extraordinary female specimen of the Little Barrier Island giant wētā weighed in at a whopping 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams), making it by far the heaviest adult insect ever recorded.
But don’t let their size fool you: these insects are gentle giants. They prefer a diet of leaves, flowers, and fruit. Their impressive size is an adaptation to life on an isolated island; fewer predators allowed them to evolve without the pressure to stay small.
While the giant weta is the heaviest and looks the biggest, there are plenty of other contenders for the largest insect of the group. Some are super long, others are very heavy. Here are a few other largest insects worth knowing about.
2. Walking sticks (Phasmatodea)
Next on our tour is the walking stick insect, a master of disguise and the longest insect in the world. They are experts at blending in with their surroundings, you will have a hard time distinguishing them from the twigs and branches of nearby trees — and luckily for them, their predators have a hard time either!
Stick insects vary greatly in size depending on the species, but many are over 1 foot (30.5 cm) long. Despite their impressive length, the body of a stick insect is relatively short compared to their thin limbs.
The champions of this group belong to the genus Phobaeticusincluding the types Phobaeticus serratipes And Phobaeticus chaniEntomologists found one specimen of Phobaeticus serratipes which with its legs outstretched was almost 61 cm long.
Like giant wetas, stick insects are herbivores. Their incredible camouflage allows them to remain undetected as they gorge themselves. They are a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation in action.
3. Giant water insects
The giant water bug is an aquatic insect that can grow to impressive sizes. These awesome insects spend their lives in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams around the world. They are known for their broad, flattened bodies, which can reach a length of up to 4 inches (10.1 cm).
In this case, their size is the least of their neighbors’ worries. Giant water bugs are natural predators. These fierce hunters can kill fish, amphibians, and even small snakes. Their powerful forelimbs grab their prey so they can deliver a venomous bite to overpower their victims.
But there is good news for us humans: that bite may be painful, but it is not really dangerous. If you encounter a giant water bug, you will definitely come out alive.
In fact, some people around the world consider these creatures a crunchy snack that is rich in protein. Their presence in freshwater ecosystems is vital, as they help control the populations of other aquatic creatures.
4. Royal Goliath Beetle (Goliathus goliatus)
Meet the regal Goliath beetle, a beautiful insect native to the rainforests of Central and South America. In their larval stage, they hold the record for the heaviest insect in the world. Goliath beetle larvae can reach a staggering size of at least 115 grams (4.1 ounces) and grow up to 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) long.
Goliath beetles feed primarily on tree sap and fruit. They pose no threat to humans or anything else. Some cultures also collect and display these insects as exotic curiosities. Their beautifully patterned exoskeletons range in color from brown to striking black and white.
5. Dragonflies and damselflies
Dragonflies and damselflies are among the most graceful and agile insects, known for their dazzling aerial displays and iridescent colours. But did you know that some of them are also record breakers?
The blue-winged helicopter (Megaloprepus caerulatus) is the largest living member of the order Odonata, which includes both dragonflies and damselflies. It has a body length of about 130 mm (5 in) and a wingspan of 190 mm (7.5 in).
While these modern-day giants are impressive, they pale in comparison to their prehistoric relatives.
This ancient titan, Meganeuropsis permianahad a body length of about 430 mm (17 in) and a wingspan of an incredible 710 mm (28 in), dwarfing every other insect on this list. It’s the largest known insect ever recorded — turns out giant reptiles weren’t the only huge animals to inhabit prehistoric Earth.
6. Butterflies and moths
When it comes to butterflies, the Queen Alexandra’s birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) is the largest. This stunning species is native to the lush rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Adult females can reach a body length of around 80 mm (3 in) and a wingspan of just over 250 mm (9.8 in).
The atlas moth (Attacus Atlas) is the largest of its kind. These moths are found in the forests of Asia and have a wingspan of up to 240 mm (9.4 in).
Atlas moths are so large that people in Asia occasionally use their cocoons as wallets for small change. Their impressive size and intricate wing patterns make them a favorite among entomologists and nature lovers.
We created this article using AI technology and then fact-checked and edited it by an editor from HowStuffWorks.
Original article: The largest insect in the world is the size of a sparrow
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