The “Giants” in the Insect World

In the minds of many, insects are invertebrate animals that range in size from very small to tiny. However, just like the human world, the world of millions of different insect species also has its own “giants.”

Below is a list of the “giant” insect species in the wild that have been recorded by humans.

1. Titan Beetle

So far, the Titan beetle is the largest known beetle species found in the Amazon rainforest in South America. It is also one of the largest insects in the world.

An adult Titan beetle can reach a body length of up to 16.7 cm. Including the length of its antennae, the total length can reach 21 cm.

This beetle has an extremely hard exoskeleton and mandibles. Its mandibles can cut through a good-quality pencil and can bite through human skin.

2. Giant Stick Insect

The Giant Stick Insect typically resides in bamboo forests, and its shape resembles that of a bamboo stick. Its body is very long and large, with an average length ranging from 10 to 30 cm. The largest individuals can reach up to 260 cm, making it the longest insect species known.

In the struggle for survival, this insect is a master of camouflage. When it rests on a branch or bamboo, it appears indistinguishable from a dry twig. When exposed to extreme temperatures, its color may darken or lighten.

3. Weta Cricket

The Weta cricket is also one of the “giant” insect species. Excluding the length of its legs and antennae, each Weta cricket measures about 10 cm in body length. They can weigh up to 70-80 grams, making them 100 to 150 times heavier than a common fly.

Interestingly, this species has undergone almost no evolution over 200 million years, maintaining its form nearly unchanged until now.

Weta crickets are also classified by biologists as one of the most aggressive species in the world. They can fend off mice and even bite humans, although this only occurs when they feel threatened.

4. Goliath Beetle

Whether in size or weight, the Goliath beetle is considered one of the largest insects. It primarily thrives in Africa, with adult males reaching lengths of up to 10 cm and weighing 100 grams. They are regarded as strict herbivores in the natural world; however, they are a favorite meal for dogs and cats.

5. Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing

With a wingspan that can reach up to 30 cm, Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing is the largest butterfly species ever recorded. Due to their considerable size and vibrant colors, these butterflies are often hunted for specimens.

6. Giant Swallowtail Butterfly

An adult Giant Swallowtail can have a wingspan of up to 31 cm, a length of 8 cm, and weigh 12 grams. This butterfly is only found within a range of about 100 km² in the rainforests of New Guinea. Since 1989, this species has been facing the threat of extinction.

7. Acteon Beetle

The Acteon beetle is one of the largest beetle species found in the rainforests of South America. An adult beetle can measure 12.7 cm in length. Like other beetle species, the Acteon has an extremely robust exoskeleton. Due to their large size, Acteon beetles have very few natural enemies.

8. Chinese Mantis

The Chinese Mantis originates from Asia and was introduced to North America around 1895. An adult can measure about 10 cm, making it the largest mantis species in North America.

9. Giant Long-Legged Katydids (Arachnacris corporalis)

Originating from Malaysia, the average length of an adult ranges from 15 to 25 cm.

10. Megasoma Elephas

Megasoma Elephas is a species of beetle from the subfamily Dynastinae. Adult males range from 7 to 12 cm in length and are typically twice the size of females.

11. Giant Burrowing Cockroach

The Giant Burrowing Cockroach originates from Australia, with adults measuring around 80 mm and weighing 35 grams. This type of cockroach can live for up to 10 years.

12. Giant Camel Spider

The Giant Camel Spider (also known as wind scorpion or sun spider) belongs to the order Solifugae. The average length of a sun spider is around 15 cm, with a weight of 56 grams.

They are essentially a large species of grasshopper, with a normal individual weighing over 35 grams. Due to this characteristic, they cannot jump like ordinary grasshoppers.

13. Giant Isopod

Scientifically speaking, this is not an insect. They typically inhabit cold regions and deep seas. In many coastal restaurants, giant isopods are featured on the menu as a boiled dish.

14. Giant Water Bug

Known scientifically as Belostomatidae, this dangerous species can reach lengths of up to 12 cm and is one of the most painful insects to be bitten by.