What is the largest insect in the world. The largest insect in the world: photo and description
Although the vast majority of mosquitoes, spiders, flies and beetles are very small in size, there are real giants among them. They invariably arouse great interest, so the top of the largest insects in the world presented below will help you better understand who is who in the world of these unusual creatures living next to us.
10th place
The length of the body is 10 cm and the weight is up to 70 g. These are the parameters of the giant ueta, or, as it is called in Latin, Deinacrida heteracantha. These beetles live in New Zealand. They are rightfully considered one of the heaviest in the world, since some individuals have a body mass greater than that of the well-known sparrow. It is interesting that the reason for the "overweight", and if not joking, the gigantism of this superbug is the absence of small mammals in its island habitat. Thus, without enemies and at the same time not experiencing a shortage of food, giant uetas for millions of years, as a result of natural selection, were able to become real heavyweights, and therefore occupy the last but honorable place in the top 10 largest insects in the world.
9th place
For the title "the most big insect in the world ”a giant stag beetle also pretends. Some individuals of this species, living in North America, reach a length of 4.5-8 cm. They have both European and Asian relatives, but they are much smaller and do not cause such surprise as the Yankee beetles.
Scientists argue that the whole point is in the nutrition of the larvae, therefore, small individuals appear in "hungry" years, when there is little rain, and it is difficult for a female to find rotting wood rich in nutritious fiber for laying eggs. As for the record holders, the largest specimen is now kept in the British Museum - its size is 8.7 cm.
8th place
Many believe that the largest insect in the world is the goliath beetle. The body length of males of this species usually ranges from 8 to 11 cm with a weight of about 47 g. There are eyewitness accounts that several decades ago even caught goliath beetles weighing about 100 g. These insects live in the central and southeastern regions Africa. In addition to their high weight, they are distinguished by an exquisite black and white color, which allows adding to the title "the largest insect in the world" (by body weight) also the title of one of the most beautiful representatives of the arthropod family.
7th place (I)
Some of the largest insects in the world, the photos of which are of constant interest, became extinct many centuries ago, and we can only guess what they really looked like. Until recently, it was believed that one of them should be attributed to the giant stick insect, which was originally discovered on the island of Lord Howe. Before the arrival of Europeans, this insect multiplied in huge numbers, since it had no enemies in the wild. The situation changed when black rats settled on Lord Howe, escaping from the holds of English ships, which had landed on the island in order to stock up on fresh water and provisions. In just a few years, they destroyed the entire population, and no one heard of the giant stick insect for almost 2 centuries.
Fortunately, it turned out that this insect (120 mm long and 15 mm thick) survived on Balls Pyramid Island, located a few kilometers from Lord Howe, off the coast of Australia. In total, about 30 adults of the giant stick insect were found, which in appearance can be easily confused with a dry grass stalk.
7th place (II)
It cannot be argued that the leaf beetle is the largest insect in the world, but it can be safely considered the most well-camouflaged. It is enough to look at his photo to be amazed at how much his female resembles several green leaves lying on top of each other. The amazing possibilities of this insect do not end there, since it is able to reproduce parthenogenetically, that is, without the participation of a male.
The body length of the leaf beetle is no more than 12.5 cm, so it can be considered that it deservedly shares the 7th place in the list called "The largest insect in the world" with a giant stick insect.
6th place
In the sixth position in the ranking of the largest insects on the planet is Queen Alexandra Bird's Wing. Under such a magnificent name, which rather resembles the title of the august person, is a giant butterfly with a very beautiful color. To ensure the survival of the offspring, this is the largest insect in the world (36 cm - such is the span of its wings) among its subclass has successfully mastered unique way self-defense: it feeds on pollen poisonous plant Aristolochia schlecteri. Due to this circumstance, the Queen's caterpillars are poisonous and do not fall prey to birds.
5th place
If you are wondering what is the largest insect in the world, Natgeo has a ton of interesting information to offer. However, let's return to our rating, the fifth position of which is confidently taken by the dung beetle-digger. The length of its body can reach 7 cm. In total, 500 species of this insect are known with brown, black, yellowish and purple colors. The dung beetle is not only a large, but also an extremely hardworking and strong insect. With a light weight of only 2 g, this tireless worker can move a dung ball weighing 35-40 g.
4th place
Some giant water bugs reach a length of 15 cm. They live in fresh waters in South America, as well as in the tropics of the Asian continent. An interesting feature of these insects is that their hind legs are designed for swimming and are a kind of flippers. In addition, they are known to be fierce predators and successfully hunt fry, salamanders, tadpoles and even frogs. The main weapon of these insects is their saliva, which can completely paralyze even a rather large prey and turn its internal organs into a jelly-like, easily digestible mass.
3rd place
The peacock-eye butterfly is one of the three leaders in the "World's Largest Insect" nomination. She has a wingspan of up to 26 cm, thus somewhat inferior to the aforementioned Queen Alexandra. However, the wings of this insect are somewhat longer. In addition, it has an exceptionally beautiful color. By the way, some species of peacock eyes, in the process of transforming from a caterpillar into a butterfly, form cocoons used to obtain natural silk.
The habitat of this insect is the tropics and subtropics of Asia and America. As for the temperate climatic zones, 10 species of peacock-eye butterflies can be found in Europe, and 12-15 in our country.
2nd place
Chan's mega-stick is recognized as one of the largest insects on the planet. The length of its body, which can easily be confused with a dry branch, can reach 37 cm. Even more impressive figures are obtained if we also take into account the size of its legs. In particular, with straightened limbs, the mega-stick is up to 56 cm long. The local habitat of these insects is the island of Kalimantan, where they are very difficult to find, and all thanks to their exceptional camouflaging abilities.
On the this moment only 3 copies were found. All of them were caught in the state of Sabah (Malaysia). At the same time, neither their lifestyle, nor the characteristics of reproduction have yet been studied.
First place
So, it remains to find out which insect is the largest in the world. Scientists claim that he is a titanium woodcutter. The body length of this beetle, which lives in South America, is 21 cm. It is also considered the most expensive of the insects, since the largest specimens of collectors agree to purchase at a crazy price from 600 to 1000 dollars and even more. For comparison, an example can be given: most of even the rarest species of beetles and butterflies cost in the range of $ 20-300.
The titanium woodcutter is also included in the famous Guinness Book of Records, and one of the largest representatives of the species is exhibited at the National Museum of Bolivia and is the pride of its natural science collection.
Interestingly, these insects have quite short life which is only 20-35 days. Moreover, all this time they do not eat anything, maintaining their strength from the energy reserves made by the body at the larval stage, which lasts about two years. Thus, the entire life cycle of a titan lumberjack is 24-25 months and ends immediately after the laying of eggs by the female, from which the next generation should appear.
Now you know which "spider bugs" belong to the category "The largest insects in the world." Photos of these representatives of the animal world amaze the imagination and make you once again admire the creations of Mother Nature, capable of creating such perfect creatures that can survive in any conditions.
Everyone knows that the largest insects lived in the prehistoric era, but even in the modern world you can still find large enough representatives of this class, from the sight of which goosebumps run on the skin.
Meganisopter
The Meganisopter (or Griffinfly) is the largest dragonfly that has ever lived in the world, as well as the largest prehistoric insect. This giant with a wingspan of 75 cm reigned in the skies about 317 to 247 million years ago, long before pterosaurs, birds and bats appeared.
Giant New Zealand Grasshopper
The weight of a grasshopper can reach 35 g. During the day, it usually hides among fallen leaves or under rotten trees, but at night it leaves its secluded place. Despite its huge size, the grasshopper lives only 6-9 months.
Lumberjack Titanium
Native to the rainforest South America, this beetle is the largest insect in the world. Reaching 16.7 cm in length, this giant insect can easily break a pencil in half with its mites. There were times when these ticks stuck into human flesh.
Australian stick insect
This huge insect feeds on plants and lives in Australia. In females, the body is covered with thorny spines, in males it is smooth. Females are larger than males and can grow up to 20 cm long. Although outwardly they look like praying mantises, the connection between them is not close.
Peacock eye atlas
This large butterfly lives in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Wingspan up to 25 cm. These beautiful creatures fascinate with their bright colors. But they live only 5-7 days.
Giant burrowing cockroach
It mainly lives in the tropical parts of the Australian state of Queensland. It is one of the largest and heaviest cockroaches in the world. It reaches a length of 8 cm and weighs up to 35 g. Also known as a rhinoceros cockroach. Some people keep it at home as a pet. He can live up to 10 years.
Elephant beetle
Native to the rainforests of Central and South America (especially common in Mexico). This amazing beetle reaches a length of 13 cm. It is active mainly at night. The beetle feeds on tree sap and fallen tropical fruits.
Chen's Mega-stick
This is one of the longest insects in the world (up to 57 cm). It was recently discovered in a rainforest on the island of Borneo. This species of stick insect remains largely unexplored because it is found in the treetops where it is very difficult to spot.
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing
The world's largest butterfly that can be found in the rainforests of the Oro province in eastern Papua New Guinea. This giant creature has a wingspan of 30.5 cm, the butterfly feeds on liquid nectar of tropical flowers.
Giant water bug
This large insect can be found in freshwater ponds, lakes, streams and rivers in the Americas, Northern Australia, and East Asia. These ferocious predators are known to attack small fish and frogs, but they can also kill small snakes and even turtles. The bug is also known by other names - "biting fingers" and "alligator ticks".
Rhinoceros beetle
Also known as the Caucasian Beetle. This especially large species is found throughout Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia. Males can reach a length of 13 cm.
Saint Helena earwig
The largest earwig species that once lived on Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. Body length reached 8 cm. The last confirmed meeting with a live earwig took place in May 1967. In 2014, this remarkable species was officially declared extinct.
Goliath beetle
Originally from the tropical regions of Africa, goliath beetles are striking in their size, their larvae are also very large and heavy (can weigh up to 100 g). Adults reach a length of 12 cm.
Lumberjack Titanium
Found in the rainforests of South America. The beetle is easy to recognize by beautiful pattern and large jaws. Despite its huge size (over 17 cm in length), this species is well adapted to flight.
Wasp tarantula hawk
The wasp hunts for spiders, including tarantulas. Females of this species paralyze the spider with their bite. They then drag the spider, which may be 8 times their weight, into the burrow, where they lay their eggs. The wasp larvae then feed on the tarantula and eventually develop into adults.
Scoliosis wasps
Stag beetle
The beetle is distinguished by its large size (up to 12 cm), frightening appearance and impressive jaws, similar to ticks. However, this giant feeds on plant sap and uses its jaws only during courtship or in fights for females. It usually poses no danger to humans.
There are no more mysterious creatures on the planet than insects. Their appearance is striking and evokes thoughts of extraterrestrial origin. Our today's Top 10 are collected.
Such a company may frighten someone, and arouse a lot of curiosity in someone. But surely no one will remain indifferent when they see a twenty-centimeter beetle. By the way, according to many scientists, the discovery of species previously unknown to science is most likely among insects. So it is quite possible that our current top ten will be replenished with new members in the very near future.
Body length - 10 cm excluding legs, weight reaches 70 grams. These wingless insects live in New Zealand. Ueta are considered one of the heaviest insects in the world. The record for a weight of 71 grams was recorded when a pregnant ueta female was weighed.
9. Giant stag beetle (Lucanus elaphus).
Reaches a length of 30-40 mm without mandibles or 45-60 mm, including mandibles. These large beetles of the genus Lucanus of the stag family live in North America. The European relatives of the American stag beetle are slightly smaller and are called Lucanus cervus.
8. Goliath beetles (Goliathus)
The body length in males is 80 - 110 mm, in females - 50-80 mm, weight - about 47 grams. According to some eyewitnesses, there are individuals weighing about 100 grams. Goliaths live in Central and Southeast Africa. The large size combined with the contrasting black and white color make this beetle one of the most beautiful insects in the world.
7. Giant stick insect (Dryococelus australis)
Reaches a length of 12 cm with a thickness of 1.5 cm, lives on the Australian island of Lord Howe. This insect, which resembles a dry grass stalk, is one of the rarest on Earth. Until 2001, the species was even considered extinct, however, scientists discovered colonies of 20-30 individuals on Lord Howe and the neighboring islands.
6. Queen Alexandra Bird Wing
– the largest butterfly in the world... The wingspan of the female reaches 35 cm. This species inhabits the territory of Papua New Guinea. The survival of the offspring is provided very in an unusual way- caterpillars of this species are inedible for predators, as the butterflies feed on the poisonous pollen of the Aristolochia schlecteri plant.
5. Dung beetle (Geotrupidae)
Is a family of large beetles with more than 500 species. The body length of the dung beetle can be from 3 to 70 mm, the color can be black, brown, purple or yellowish.
4. Giant water bug (Belostomatidae)
Reaches a length of 15 cm. These large insects live in fresh water bodies of South America, East and Southeast Asia (India, Thailand).
3. Peacock-eye butterfly (Attacus atlas)
Has an impressive wingspan - up to 26 cm. Beautiful red-brown color in combination with white "eyes" looks very elegant and makes it.
2. Mega-stick Chan (Phobaeticus chani)
– the longest insect in the world... The length of the body, resembling a dry branch, can reach 37 cm, and taking into account the legs - 56 cm. These insects live on the island of Kalimantan and are simply champions of camouflage - it is almost impossible to find a stick insect among the branches.
1. Titan lumberjack (Titanus giganteus)
– the largest insect in the world... The body length of this beetle reaches 21 cm. The species is very few in number, but lives in the vast territory of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Suriname, Guyana, Bolivia and Brazil.
Chang's Mega-stick
There is a whole order of insects, which has almost 3000 species, one tenth of which were bred in captivity. It is about leaflets, stick insects and ghosts (from the Latin Phasmatodea).
It is a representative of the order of ghosts that is considered the largest insect in the world - this is Phobaeticus Chani or Chan's Meghaker. Its dimensions are truly amazing - the length of the body with outstretched limbs is as much as 56.7 centimeters! True, the weight is not at all impressive - only 63 grams. This specimen was found in 1989 in one of the forests of the island of Kalimantan by local residents, and later would have been transferred to a local amateur naturalist, after whom the insect got its name. In 2008, he was transferred to the London Museum of Natural History.
It is interesting that at the moment only three specimens of this species are known, therefore information about their life is not available as such.
However, among the ghosts there are no less worthy contenders. For example, Phobaeticus serratipes, another stick insect, whose body length is a whopping 54 centimeters with its extended legs.
It is worth noting the magnificent camouflage of these insects, which nature has endowed them with. They blend perfectly with the tree or shrub they inhabit, so it is very, very difficult to notice them in nature. Interesting that appearance directly depends on the habitat of the stick insect. So, if he lives on branches, then his body takes the form of a stick, and if he spends most of his life among the leaves, then the body becomes leaf-shaped with a corresponding green color. Moreover, some species can change color, like chameleons do.
By the way, do you know why 300 species of stick insects were bred in captivity? The thing is that they are almost ideal pets, since throughout their lives they are tied to one place, and their food does not require much variety (however, the following products must be in the insect's diet: privet, ivy, salad - lettuce and blackberry).
Stick insects molt, and most often this is done by young individuals, for which the "skin" becomes small. At the same time, they happily eat the remains of the discarded shell. By the way, females prevail over males, since they do not need the latter for reproduction - this is the so-called parthenogenesis.
Ueta
We also note one more very interesting insect or rather, to be more precise, a group of insects consisting of more than 100 species - its general name is Ueta.
This group includes one of the heaviest insects in the world - Deinacrida heteracantha, whose females can reach 8.5 centimeters in length. The maximum weight of such a specimen is up to 70 grams, although the average weight of females is no more than 50 grams. But in fact, most of the body weight is made up of eggs, which are located in the female's abdomen. Without them, its weight rarely exceeds 20-25 g. After the eggs are laid (up to 300 pieces at a time), Deinacrida heteracantha dies.
Males of this and several other species have rather large and strong mandibles, with which they occasionally butt with other members of their family.
Ueta are very similar to the grasshoppers we are used to, except that they are larger in size. In the event of an attack, they use their hind legs, which they throw out in front of them with force. There are large thorns on the paws. As for nutrition, the insect eats not only other bugs, midges, flies, but also some plants. It should be noted that representatives of the ueta are actively involved in the distribution of seeds. By the way, these flightless Orthoptera can be found only in New Zealand.
Lumberjack Titanium
Next on our list is the titanium lumberjack, which is the largest beetle currently known to science. The length of some individuals reaches a mark of more than 20 centimeters, excluding antennae! Titan woodcutters are found in South America, namely in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru.
Giant leggy grasshopper
Another representative of large insects is a giant long-legged grasshopper, the size of which can be compared with a small kitten. You can meet these unusual creatures only in the mountains near Malaysia. It is worth noting that grasshoppers are exclusively nocturnal - it is under the light of the moon that they go in search of food and partners. Plants are usually eaten, but sometimes they do not mind eating other insects.
Rhino cockroach
Before you is the largest and heaviest cockroach that only lives on our planet. Its length reaches 10 cm, and its weight is more than 30 g! It can be found only in one place on Earth - in Australia. This cockroach prefers to live in soft leaf litter, which, by the way, feeds on. It is interesting that the life span of this creature is as much as 10 years, so in this parameter it can give odds to many animals.
Road wasp
Road wasps belong to the family of Hymenoptera insects from the suborder stinging. The length of some individuals can reach 6 centimeters, and the length of the sting is more than 5 millimeters. This insect is found in Thailand and stings very painfully. According to some local residents, the pain can be compared at the same time with a stun gun, boiling water and blows with a whip. After a few minutes, the area near the bite swells.
Giant water bugs
You've all seen bugs, including water bugs. Only they are very tiny. And in some countries of South America, giant water bugs live, the body length of which is as much as 15 cm. They are found exclusively in fresh water bodies and can snatch if you get in their way. They feed exclusively on animal food, including frogs and fry. It is interesting that this insect can fly, although it does it extremely rarely.
Terafosa Blond
Terafosa Blonda is one of the names of the goliath tarantula spider, which is the largest spider on the planet. Maximum length the largest specimen is as much as 28 centimeters - it was caught several decades ago in Venezuela. In nature, much smaller individuals are usually found. The goliath tarantula practically does not breed in captivity, so collectors do not appreciate it.
Vespa mandarinia
The largest hornet, the length of which is at least 5 cm. It can be seen in Asian countries, including China and Japan, but it is also found in Russia, but exclusively in the Primorsky Territory. Unlike many other insects, Vespa mandarinia is very dangerous because its venom is highly toxic.
It's time to meet the largest, longest and heaviest insects on Earth. Naturally, the largest species lived in the prehistoric era, but even in the modern world there are still such incredible beetles that will give goosebumps to anyone. From the creepy giant waet to the more famous mantis, here's a list of the 25 largest insects in the world.
25. Protodonata or Meganisoptera
Meganisoptera is not only the largest dragonfly that has ever existed on our planet, but also the largest insect in the world. With a wingspan of up to 75 centimeters, this giant insect hovered in the skies from the Carboniferous to the end of the Permian era (approximately 317 - 247 million years ago). Meganisoptera lived long before the appearance of pterosaurs, birds and bats, which means that it had no equal in the sky.
24. Giant Ueta
Photo: Dinobass
Giant Ueta (weta) is a very large species of insects that live mainly in New Zealand. An adult beetle can weigh 35 grams. Ueta prefers to hide in the fallen leaves and bark of fallen trees, and rests mainly during the day. At night, the heavyweight leaves his hideout to move to other trees in search of food and more comfortable housing. Despite its impressive size, the giant ueta only lives for 6-9 months.
23. Titan Lumberjack
Photo: Bernard Dupont
Endemic to the rainforests of South America, the titanium lumberjack is the largest known beetle not only in the Amazon jungle, but also one of the largest insect species in the world. Titanium grows up to 16.7 centimeters in length (according to unconfirmed reports - up to 22 centimeters), and hallmark This giant insect has impressive claws with which it can easily grab a pencil, for example. Rumor has it that the Titan Lumberjack can even rip apart human flesh with his pincers. The most interesting thing is that entomologists have not yet been able to detect its larvae, and naturalists so far can only assume that the beetle spends the beginning of its life inside trees.
22. Australian walking cane
Photo: Rosa Pineda
The Australian cane (Extatosoma tiaratum) is a huge herbivorous insect that lives in the tropical and temperate rain forests of Australia. These creatures are very similar to praying mantises, but entomologists distinguish them as two absolutely different kinds... Females are usually larger than males, they reach up to 20 centimeters in length and are covered with thorny spines. In turn, males also have something to brag about - they have as many as 3 eyes, and they can fly, unlike females, which only have wing buds.
21. Mole atlas
Photo: Quartl
This giant moth lives in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, and is considered one of the most large species lepidoptera insects on the planet. The tropical moth has a wingspan of 25 centimeters and an atlas wing surface area of 400 square centimeters, more than any other insect in the world. Moreover, her life expectancy is only 5-7 days. People found this short-lived beauty to be practical application- In India, a giant moth is bred for the production of silk thread.
20. Rhino cockroach (Macropanesthia rhinoceros)
Photo: Mark Pellegrini (Raul654)
The giant rhinoceros cockroach (also known as the burrowing cockroach) lives in the rainforests of Queensland, Australia and is the largest and heaviest cockroach in the world. An adult of this species grows up to 8 centimeters in length and can weigh up to 35 grams. The life expectancy of a burrowing cockroach is quite impressive - scientists have found individuals whose age reached as much as 10 years. You may be surprised, but among amateur entomologists, the giant rhino cockroach is quite popular as a ... pet.
19. Elephant beetle
Photo: sdbeazley / flickr
This insect prefers the humidity of tropical forests and lowlands of Central and South America (especially Mexico). The elephant beetle (or megasome elephant) is a large insect that grows in length up to as much as 13 centimeters. Impressive in size, these creatures live only 1-3 months, prefer the night time, feed on tree sap and tropical fruits.
18. Phobaeticus chani
Photo: P.E. Bragg
Phobaeticus chani is a species of stick insects, recognized as one of the longest in the world. Its more common name is the Chan stick insect, which this insect received in honor of its explorer Datuk Chen Zhaolun. The giant stick insect was discovered not so long ago in the rainforest in Borneo, where a Chinese naturalist had a chance to study an individual of incredible length - 57 centimeters! The species of beetle Phobaeticus chani is still not fully understood, since the insect lives in the tallest trees in the rainforest, which makes it too secretive for observation and research.
17. Queen Alexandra's Birdwing
Photo: Robert Nash
It's amazing beautiful creation was found in the rainforests of the Oro province in eastern Papua New Guinea. Another name for this birdwing is also known - the ornithopter of Queen Alexandra, and it is recognized as the largest butterfly in the world. The wingspan of this giant creature reaches 30.5 centimeters, and it feeds mainly on the nectar of tropical flowers.
16. Giant water bug
Photo: Frank Vassen
The giant water bug (Belostomatidae) is also known as the "alligator flea" and lives primarily in freshwater bodies of water, lakes, streams and rivers in the Americas, Northern Australia and East Asia. Water bugs are fierce predators, and there are cases of these bugs attacking not only fish and frogs, but also small snakes and even turtles. Killer beetle? It sounds creepy, but there is one more ahead of you. predatory insect... Have patience until the 11th point of our top ...
15. Giant Atlas Beetle
Photo: JohnSka
The Atlas beetle (Chalcosoma atlas) got its name in honor of the ancient mythical deity who held the firmament on his shoulders. Another name for this beetle is the Caucasian beetle, and representatives of this species are considered one of the largest beetles on Earth. Atlas is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia. Atlas males can reach as much as 13 centimeters in length.
14. St. Helena's earwig
Photo: wikimedia
Before you is a giant earwig Labidura herculeana, the largest representative of the order of leatherwings, which is also sometimes called the "Dodo of the world of earwigs" (Dodo is a giant bird that died out in the 17th century AD) or the earwig of St. Helena. History knows about the 8-centimeter Labidura herculeana, but the last time a live adult of this earwig was seen as early as May 1967, and in 2014, scientists sadly announced that the Dodo of the world of earwigs was completely extinct.
13. Goliath beetle
Photo: fir0002
Endemic to tropical regions of Africa, goliath beetles are the largest insects in the world, both in adulthood and in the larval stage. It is believed that these beetles are the heaviest of all insects on Earth. Their larvae weigh up to 100 grams, and adults reach up to 12 centimeters in length.
12. Longhorns or woodcutters
Photo: Hectonichus
The long-horned beetle in the photo is a giant beetle species, easily recognizable by its beautiful pattern on its back and enlarged jaws. There are other names for this insect - barbel, woodcutter, or scientifically Cerambycidae. The long-horned beetle lives in the tropical forests of South America, and despite its enormous size (more than 17 centimeters in length), this insect species even knows how to fly.
11. Tarantula hawk
Photo: wikimedia
The tarantula is a large road wasp or pompilida that preys on tarantulas. The females of this species of insects paralyze the spider with a prick of their sting. On a successful hunt, these seemingly modest creatures are able to overcome a tarantula, which is most often 8 times heavier than a road wasp. This difference in weight does not interfere with dragging the slain spider into the hole, where the female lays her larvae directly on the body of the prey. When new tarantula hawks are born, they initially feed on the tarantulas stored in the burrow.
10. Giant scolia wasp
Photo: Didier Descouens
9. Gauromydas heros
Photo: Biologoandre
Gauromydas heros are the largest flies in the world. In length, this type of dipteran insect grows up to 7 centimeters, and its wingspan reaches 10 centimeters, which is quite a lot for a fly. Gauromydas heros lives in southern Brazil and prefers to lay its larvae in anthills. Scientists have not fully studied the lifestyle of this species, but adult males presumably feed on flower nectar, females probably do not eat, and the larvae of these flies eat the larvae of leaf-cutting ants, in whose colonies they hide.
8. Macrotermes Bellicosus
Photo: ETF89
This termite lives in Africa and Southeast Asia. Macrotermes Bellicosus is the largest known representative of its infraorder. This insect was included in our list due to the fact that its uterus during the laying period reaches approximately 11 centimeters in length. The size of other members of the colony is much more modest - worker termites grow up to 3-4 centimeters, and soldiers - not much larger. Macrotermes Bellicosus are hunters and gatherers, and their activity peaks during the rainy season.
7. Hercules beetle
Photo: Anaxibia
Hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules) is one of the largest beetles in the world, and it lives mainly in the jungles of South America. Representatives of this genus are considered the largest and most famous of all rhinoceros beetles, close relatives of scarabs. Some males reach 17.5 centimeters, including the length of the mono-horn.
6. Thysania agrippina
Photo: Acrocynus
Thysania agrippina is a moth, better known by other names, including the agrippa scoop, agrippina scoop, agrippina moth, agrippa moth, night moth, and even the ghost moth. The agrippina scoop is one of the largest flying insects, with a wingspan of almost 30 centimeters. The largest night moth lives in Mexico, Central America and South America, and is also sometimes found in Texas (Texas).
5. Stag beetle (Lucanidae)
Photo: Trevor Harris / geograph.org.uk
The stag beetle or stag beetle, also sometimes known as the comb beetle, is an insect that is easily recognizable due to its enormous size (about 12 centimeters in length) and imposing mandibles (lower jaws) that resemble tusks or horns. In appearance, the beetle looks very frightening, but in fact it feeds on tree sap, and uses its lower jaws only in mating games or during fights with its own relatives. For humans, this insect is usually completely harmless.
4. Giant Homoptera dragonfly
Photo: Steven G. Johnson
The largest living dragonfly on our planet, the giant isoptera dragonfly is also known in the scientific world as Megaloprepus Caerulatus. The graceful insect is decorated with silvery-blue stripes, as well as white and black spots. But don't be fooled by its beauty, this dragonfly is a dangerous predator. True, the greatest threat to Megaloprepus Caerulatus is perhaps for spiders, which the equalfly catches directly from their cozy nets. The giant dragonfly lives in the rainforests of Central and South America, and the largest wingspan of these insects is as much as 19 centimeters!
3. Praying mantis
Photo: Oliver Koemmerling
This insect is practically at the top of its food chain and feeds mainly on other members of its native class, although there is evidence that mantises sometimes attack small reptiles, small mammals and even birds! The largest mantis known to entomologists was discovered in southern China in 1929, and its length was as much as 18 centimeters.
2. Zhao stick insect
Photo: Joachim Bresseel, Jérôme Constant
In 2014, in the southern province of Guangxi, it was discovered the new kind insect. It was the Zhao stick insect (Phryganistria Chinensis Zhao), whose dimensions reached as much as 62.4 centimeters. The giant was discovered by the Chinese scientist-entomologist Zhao Li, and today it is the longest insect in the world. The stick insect was named after a Chinese explorer who hunted this incredible fastmatida for 6 years until he finally managed to capture one of these long-legged beauties.
1. Long-legged mosquitoes of the species Holorusia Brobdignagius
Photo: wikimedia
Long-legged mosquitoes or caramors are insects of the Diptera family of the long-wattled suborder. Their favorite habitat is forests near fresh water bodies and swamps. Adults feed on plant nectar, and the larvae feed on rotting plants. The largest of the caramors, holorusia brobdignagius grows up to 23 centimeters in length if you extend the limbs behind and in front of its little body. This value allows this Chinese centipede to be considered the longest of its kind.
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