The insect kingdom, both mesmerizing and intimidating, houses creatures of various sizes. While many of us are fine dealing with smaller bugs, the larger ones often evoke mixed feelings. For those brave enough to venture into the realm of colossal creepy-crawlies, join us on a journey through the fascinating world of giant insects.
Before we proceed, a word of caution: some of these critters may not be suitable for the faint-hearted. You’ve been warned.
Goliath Beetle
Encountering this beetle in the African rainforests reveals the reason behind its name. Growing up to 10 cm, the Goliath Beetle primarily feasts on tree sap and fruits, adhering to a seemingly healthy diet.
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
While not the largest, this 5 cm wasp earns a spot for being the biggest wasp globally, owing to its unique hunting method—preying on tarantulas. It paralyzes its victim, deposits a single egg, and allows the larva to consume the prey.
Atlas Beetle
Hailing from Indonesia, this 13 cm rhinoceros beetle variant, known for its feisty nature, gets its name from mandibles resembling those that could support the sky, akin to the burden Atlas bore.
This big boy can measure up to 17 cm and might join you on a hike through the rainforests in South America. The mandibles look like they’d be capable to chop a finger off, so you may not want to pet it if you run into one. I’m not sure if these beetles eat fingers, but are we really willing to take our chances?
Giant Water Bug
Reaching up to an impressive 17 cm, this beetle might accompany you on a rainforest hike in South America. Its formidable mandibles hint at potential strength, making it an insect to admire from a respectful distance.
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing
Unlike conventional butterflies, this species boasts a colossal 25 cm wingspan. Found in eastern Papua New Guinea, its vibrant appearance may startle, but it’s crucial to protect this endangered beauty.
Phryganistria chinensis Zhao
Discovered in 2016, this stick insect reigns supreme as the largest on our list, measuring an astounding 62 cm. Native to China’s Guangxi Zhuang region, it continues to captivate researchers and enthusiasts alike.
