The world is home to an incredible diversity of insects, with over a million known species and many more still waiting to be discovered. While most insects are small and easy to overlook, there are a few that stand out for their impressive size. Here are 15 of the largest insects in the world:
#1 Goliath Beetle (Goliathus sp.)
The Goliath Beetle is a member of the scarab family and is native to the rainforests of Africa. It is one of the heaviest insects in the world, with some individuals weighing as much as 3.5 ounces (100 grams). The Goliath Beetle is named for the Biblical giant Goliath, due to its impressive size and strength. Adult Goliath Beetles can reach up to 4.3 inches (11 cm) in length and have a wingspan of up to 6.7 inches (17 cm). The larvae of the Goliath Beetle can grow up to 11 inches (28 cm) in length and are often used as food by local people in Africa.
#2 Giant Wetas (Deinacrida sp.)
Giant Wetas are a group of flightless insects native to New Zealand. There are several species of Giant Weta, but the heaviest known individual weighed in at a whopping 2.5 ounces (71 grams). Giant Wetas are nocturnal and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. They are carnivorous and have been known to prey on small birds and lizards. Despite their large size and fearsome appearance, Giant Wetas are harmless to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem in New Zealand.
#3 Giant Cicadas (Hystricicada sp.)
Giant Cicadas are native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. These insects are known for their loud, distinctive calls, which can be heard from a distance of up to half a mile (800 meters). Giant Cicadas can reach up to 4.3 inches (11 cm) in length and have a wingspan of up to 8 inches (20 cm). They are generally green or brown in color and are active during the day.
4 Goliath Birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)
The Goliath Birdeater is a species of tarantula native to the rainforests of South America. It is the largest spider in the world by mass, with some individuals weighing up to 6.2 ounces (175 grams). The Goliath Birdeater gets its name from its diet, which includes birds as well as insects. Despite its impressive size, the Goliath Birdeater is not considered to be dangerous to humans and is generally docile. However, it can deliver a painful bite if provoked.
#5 Giant Water Bug (Belostomatidae sp.)
Giant Water Bugs are a family of insects that are found in freshwater habitats around the world. They are also known as toe-biters or electric-light bugs due to their tendency to bite humans who step on them or try to pick them up. Giant Water Bugs can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are generally brown or black in color. They are carnivorous and have been known to prey on small fish, amphibians, and even small mammals.
#6 Giant Prickly Stick Insect (Extatosoma tiaratum)
The Giant Prickly Stick Insect is native to the rainforests of Australia and can be found in Queensland and New South Wales. It is also known as the Giant Spiny Stick Insect or the Macleay’s Spectre.
#7 Giant Silk Moth (Saturniidae sp.)
Giant Silk Moths are a group of insects that are known for their large size and colorful, ornate wings. Some species of Giant Silk Moths can have a wingspan of up to 12 inches (30 cm) and are among the largest moths in the world. These moths are found in a variety of habitats around the world, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. They are generally nocturnal and are attracted to lights at night. Giant Silk Moths are important pollinators and play a vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems.
#8 Giant Walkingstick (Diapheromera sp.)
Giant Walkingsticks are a group of insects that are native to North America. They are known for their long, slender bodies and ability to camouflage themselves in their surroundings. Giant Walkingsticks can reach up to 7 inches (18 cm) in length and are generally brown or green in color. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including trees and shrubs. Giant Walkingsticks are generally harmless to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem.
#9 Giant Stonefly (Pteronarcys sp.)
Giant Stoneflies are a group of insects that are found in freshwater habitats around the world. They are known for their large size and delicate, translucent wings. Giant Stoneflies can reach up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length and are generally brown or black in color. They are important indicators of the health of freshwater ecosystems and are often used as bioindicators by scientists.
#10 Giant Grasshopper (Tropidacris sp.)
Giant Grasshoppers are a group of insects that are found in South and Central America. They are known for their large size and brightly colored wings. Giant Grasshoppers can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are generally green or brown in color. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses and grains. Giant Grasshoppers are generally harmless to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem.
#11 Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula sp.)
Giant Asian Mantises are a group of insects that are found in Asia and are known for their large size and predatory behavior. They can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are generally green or brown in color. Giant Asian Mantises are carnivorous and have been known to prey on a variety of insects, as well as small lizards and even birds. They are generally harmless to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem.
#12 Giant Katydid (Tettigoniidae sp.)
Giant Katydids are a group of insects that are found in a variety of habitats around the world, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. They are known for their large size and ability to produce loud, distinctive calls. Giant Katydids can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are generally green or brown in color. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses and grains.
#13 Giant Mayfly (Palingenia sp.)
Giant Mayflies are a group of insects that are found in freshwater habitats around the world. They are known for their large size and delicate, translucent wings. Giant Mayflies can reach up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length and are generally brown or black in color. They are important indicators of the health of freshwater ecosystems and are often used as bioindicators by scientists.
#14 Giant Centipede (Scolopendra sp.)
Giant Centipedes are a group of insects that are found in a variety of habitats around the world, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. They are known for their large size and venomous bite. Giant Centipedes can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and are generally brown or black in color. They are carnivorous and have been known to prey on a variety of insects, as well as small mammals and reptiles. Despite their fearsome reputation, Giant Centipedes are generally harmless to humans and are an important part of the ecosystem.