The realm of insects and bugs is as extraordinary as it is scary. When it comes to the smaller types we’re generally comfortable dealing with them, although most people prefer that larger bugs stay at a safe distance. And by safe distance, we mean “stay in sight but give me enough room to run if you wander in.” But since you’ve clicked on this text, you’re probably someone who isn’t bothered by the occasional creepy creature and you’re thrilled to sign up for our ride through the wonderful world of large insects.
This probably goes without saying, but some of these creatures won’t be for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned.
Discover the World’s Most Important Insects That Will Blow Your Mind
Goliath Beetle
If you ever encounter a creature like this inside the African rainforests, you’ll immediately know why it’s named that way. Goliath beetles can grow to a length of 10 cm, but they usually stick to their privates and feed on tree sap and fruit all day long. This sounds like a healthy weight-loss plan!
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
Although this wasp isn’t very big compared to the others on this list, measuring just 5 cm, it deserves a spot as the biggest wasp and its name because it hunts tarantulas and kills them. Also, this cute girl paralyzes her prey, lays an egg in it and then lets the larvae eat the prey.
Atlas Beetle
This 13 cm long subtype of rhinoceros beetle is found in Indonesia and like any rhinoceros beetle, it can get quite fierce and competitive if you bump into one. You can find the reason for this name in the fact that its jaws look like they could hold up the sky, just like Atlas was supposed to do.
Macrodontia cervicornis
This big bug can grow up to 17cm long and can accompany you on a walk in the rainforests of South America. If they get hold of someone’s finger you don’t have to chew it like a dog would, as it seems their jaws are capable of biting off a finger. Although I’m not sure if they eat hands, are we willing to take the risk?
Giant Water Worm
I know, I was looking for a better-suited name too. Its simplicity makes it much easier to immediately spot what you’re getting: this bug lives in water and is very large. It can grow up to 12cm and is also called the “toe-biter” because it can bite off your toes if you get too close to it.
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing
Butterflies don’t usually scare humans, but this one has a wingspan of 25cm. If you catch this colourful fellow flying in eastern Papua New Guinea, no one will blame you for jogging by. Just don’t hit it out of the sky, as it is endangered.
Phryganistria chinensis Zhao
This fair animal, despite being the most important on this list, was only identified in 2016. It is a supermodel that can grow up to 62cm in size, and when it was found even its smallest baby measured just over 25cm. So far it has only been seen in China, specifically in the Guangxi Zhuang region.