“Animals with notches” is how the word insects is translated from Greek.
Their peculiarity lies in the extraordinary diversity of forms and habitats, because there are representatives of insects even in Antarctica. They are also the largest class of animals.
Insects are considered to be small creatures. This opinion is erroneous, since among them there are giants that are quite impressive in size.
The ranking presents the largest insects in the world .
10
Tarantula HawkLength 5.1 cm
The ranking of the largest insects on Earth opens
with the tarantula hawk , whose body length can reach 5.1 cm. This is the largest wasp in the world.
The wasp's sting is very long - 7 mm; it uses it to infect tarantula spiders. The wasp lays its larvae in the still living but paralyzed victim, which devour the spider. Moreover, only females hunt spiders. The hawks themselves feed on nectar and fruits. The bite of a hawk is considered one of the most painful compared to the bites of other wasps and bees. But this does not stop the inhabitants of Bolivia from calling the tarantula hawk a friend of man. 9
Rhinoceros cockroachLength 9 cm
Ninth place belongs to the indigenous Australian rhinoceros cockroach or the giant burrowing cockroach for its body length of 9 cm. Either the eucalyptus leaves that the rhinoceros eats are very high in calories or it simply eats a lot, since a cockroach with 35 grams. weight is considered a heavyweight among his brothers. In addition to its significant dimensions, the cockroach can also boast of longevity: the life cycle can reach 10 years. A rhinoceros looks more like a beetle than a cockroach. He spends most of the day in a deep hole (up to 1 m) underground. Many insect lovers keep a rhinoceros cockroach as a pet.
8
Grasshopper VetaLength 9 cm
The Weta grasshopper is considered not only one of the largest insects with a length of 9 cm, but also the heaviest, since its weight can reach 85 grams. The female lays up to 300 eggs at a time, but nature designed it so that she does not live to see the birth of her offspring.
The grasshopper lives in New Zealand, its appearance has not changed for millions of years. It was the isolated position of the island and the absence of enemies among animals on it for grasshoppers that allowed them to reach such sizes. But with the settlement of the island by Europeans, the Weta population was reduced to a minimum. Unique grasshoppers can be found only in the most secluded corners of the island.
The Goliath beetle is the heaviest beetle in the world. On the scales it can easily outweigh 5 sparrows, since its weight can reach 100 grams. and 11 cm in length. Such dimensions make it difficult to quickly take off and hide. But the color of the beetles easily adapts to their environment. Goliaths with black shells live in shady areas. Black is known to heat up better. And this beetle needs to increase its body temperature in order to take off. In areas with high solar activity, their colors are varied - this saves them from overheating.
6
Giant water bugLength 12 cm
, the giant water bug grows up to 12 cm. Bedbugs are true predators; they prey on almost all freshwater animals. They can also bite humans, and their bite is considered one of the most painful. The bug infects its victim with poisonous saliva released from the proboscis. The saliva paralyzes the prey and decomposes it. The bug can only suck out the mass. In spring, the female lays eggs on the male’s back, where up to 100 of them can fit.
In Asian countries, water bugs are considered edible. On street stalls, the fried delicacy is sold in bags.
5
Wood lobsterLength 12 cm
The tree lobster or giant stick insect is one of the rarest insects on the planet and the largest, its length reaches 12 cm. Until 2001, it was considered extinct, until several representatives of the stick insect were discovered on one small Australian island. Australian biologists managed to preserve and propagate their population. The tree lobster does not have wings, but it moves very quickly. The offspring of a giant stick insect can be obtained without the participation of a male. The female lays eggs, creating her own clone for backup.
4
Chinese mantisLength 15 cm
The Chinese mantis is a nocturnal predator of impressive size for an insect (15 cm). From China it gradually spread to other countries. Many farmers purchase and raise praying mantises for pest control. They are fed on locusts, flies, and crickets. Praying mantises get used to people and are not even afraid to feed directly from their hands. Females are much larger than males and can even hunt small birds and frogs. In half of the cases, females eat their partners. Many exotic lovers keep Chinese mantises as pets. Why not? Individuals raised in captivity are inquisitive, quiet, calm, and not aggressive.
3
Lumberjack titan Length 22 cm
The largest beetle lives in South America - the Titan Lumberjack . The longest recorded length of an individual is 22 cm. This information is contained in the Guinness Book of Records. These beetles are a very valuable specimen for collectors. To get the largest beetle in the world, special tours are organized.
Lumberjacks have very strong jaws that can bite through a branch about 1 cm thick. And this despite the fact that they do not eat anything. They feed on reserves accumulated at the larval stage, the size of which is about 35 cm. The life expectancy of giants is not long - no more than 1.5 months.
2
Peacock eye SatinLength 25 cm
The Atlas peacock-eye , with a wingspan of 25 cm, is one of the largest butterflies in the insect class. The name of the butterfly is associated with the mythical hero Atlas, who held the entire sky on his shoulders. Due to its impressive size, the winged insect received its name in honor of the mythical creature. Atlas females are much larger than males. The life cycle of these butterflies does not exceed ten days. It is noteworthy that during their short existence, peacock eyes do not feed on anything, since they do not have a mouthparts. Their vital activity is supported by the substances that the butterfly accumulated as a caterpillar. Atlas peacock-eyes live in tropical and subtropical forests of Indonesia, Thailand and China. Recently, the population has declined significantly due to human fishing.
1
Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly Length 27 cm
The Queen Alexandra birdwing butterfly tops the list of the largest insects in the world. In addition, it is considered the most beautiful butterfly in the world. The wingspan of the birdwing is 27 cm. It got its name because of its huge wings, which during flight resemble those of a bird. The most amazing butterfly in size and beauty is the dream of any collector. But hunting for the birdwing has recently been prohibited, as its population has decreased significantly. The species' habitat is the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea.
Source: https://top10a.ru/samye-bolshie-nasekomye-v-mire.html
Reproduction
During mating, the female approaches the male and begins a courtship ritual that includes sparring and aerial grappling. The male allows eggs to be laid on his back, several eggs after each mating.
This ritual continues until the male's entire back is covered with approximately 150 eggs. He then cares for the eggs by exposing them to air to prevent the growth of mold and other aquatic organisms.
It takes approximately three weeks for withdrawal. After the young hatch, the glue holding them to their backs deteriorates and the egg cases fall off.
TOP 10 Largest insects in the world
The largest class of animals in terms of numbers is insects. The word “insect” itself is literally translated from Greek as “animal with notches.” Their forms and habitats are very diverse.
Few people know that even in Antarctica there are representatives of this class. We associate insects with small creatures, but this is far from the case. Among them there are species of very impressive sizes.
This rating lists the ten species of the largest insects on the globe.
TOP 10 Largest insects in the world
10
Tarantula Hawk
Pictured: Tarantula Hawk
The body length of females is up to 5.1 cm.
The world's largest wasp opens the ranking of large insects. It's called a tarantula hawk . This insect is called so because the females use tarantula spiders to raise their larvae.
To do this, they pierce the victim with a huge sting, which they have about seven millimeters and paralyze it. Then the larvae are laid inside the tarantula. The body of the tarantula serves as a breeding ground for them.
But tarantula hawks themselves prefer to feed on fruits and nectar.
The sting of this huge wasp is the most painful compared to the stings of other bees and wasps. But despite this, in Bolivia she is considered a friend of man.
9
Grasshopper Veta
Body length - up to 9 cm.
Ninth place belongs to the representative of New Zealand. The Weta grasshopper reaches a length of up to nine centimeters and is also heavyweight. Its weight is about eighty-five grams. A female Weta grasshopper can lay up to three hundred eggs. But the natural life cycle does not allow her to survive until the birth of her offspring.
For millions of years, the grasshopper Veta does not change its appearance. This is explained by the geographical isolation of the islands from the mainland. Due to the lack of enemies in wildlife, it has reached impressive sizes.
But now it can only be found in very secluded places on the islands, because the number of Weta has decreased significantly. The huge grasshopper became the object of attention and hunting of the Europeans who settled on the islands.
8
Rhinoceros cockroach
In the photo: Rhinoceros cockroach
Body length - up to 9-10 cm.
Next on the list of largest insects is the rhinoceros cockroach. Another name for it is the giant burrowing cockroach.
He lives in Australia and is considered not only one of the largest insects, but also the heaviest. Its body length is about nine centimeters, and its weight is thirty-five grams.
This creature lives for about ten years, which is also a long time compared to the lifespan of other insects.
The rhinoceros cockroach feeds on green eucalyptus leaves. Its home is a hole in the ground, quite deep, up to one meter deep. For insect lovers, this beetle is quite suitable as a pet.
7
Goliath beetle
In the photo: Goliath beetle
Body length - 11 cm.
This is the heaviest beetle on the planet. If you put five sparrows on one scale and a Goliath beetle on the other, it will easily outweigh them. The weight of the giant beetle is about one hundred grams, and the body length reaches eleven centimeters. Its huge dimensions do not allow it to quickly take off and hide.
Its only salvation is its color, which is always adapted to the main color of its habitat. In order to take off, Goliath needs to increase his body temperature. In shady areas, the giant beetle wears a black shell, which heats up faster in the sun.
But in sunny places they can be of very different colors.
6
Giant water bug
Pictured: Giant water bug
Body length - 12 cm.
The giant water bug lives in the tropics. If conditions are favorable for growth, the body length reaches twelve centimeters.
Giant water bugs are predators and can target any freshwater animal. For humans, a waterbug bite is one of the most painful.
The poisonous saliva that the bug secretes from its proboscis paralyzes the prey and promotes its decomposition. The bug then sucks out the mass.
Giant water bugs begin to reproduce in the spring. The female lays about a hundred eggs on the male's back. In Asian countries, people consider the water bug to be edible. These insects are fried and sold at the market as sunflower seeds.
Chan's megastick
It has a striking appearance, it is completely unlike a living creature. It masterfully disguises itself as an ordinary twig and blends in completely with the tree on which it lives - ideal natural camouflage and protection from enemies. The body length of the largest representative is 35 centimeters, and with outstretched paws - 56 centimeters.
Stick insects got their name in honor of the scientist Chen Zhaolun, who first began to study them. Scientists have found only three specimens of this species; their lifestyle has not yet been completely studied. The first individual was discovered in 1989 in the forests of the island of Kalimanjan. In 2008, the insect was transferred to the London Natural History Museum.
Listotele
It lives in the tropics of Southeast Asia, northeastern Australia, and the islands of Melanesia. He has an extraordinary appearance and is a master of camouflage. The leaf beetle has another name - “wandering leaves”. The appearance of this creature is one in one in shape and color similar to the leaves. Predators have no chance of noticing the leaf beetle if it is stationary. It can hang attached to a branch like a leaf and sway in the wind.
The body length does not exceed 12 and a half centimeters. Females are larger than males and differ from them in appearance. They move and move slowly, and males, on the contrary, have increased activity and can fly. Interesting fact: females can reproduce without the participation of a male, and only females are born. This phenomenon is called parthenogenesis. Therefore, there are much fewer male leaf beetles than females. Even the eggs of these strange creatures resemble plant seeds.
Water scorpion
In seventh place on the list of the largest insects in the world is the water scorpion. Received this name for its external resemblance to a scorpion. The limbs in front look like claws, and at the back there is a tail. But upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that these are not claws, but legs, and the tail is two breathing tubes. The length of adult individuals reaches up to 4.5 centimeters. Scorpions are well camouflaged, their appearance bears a striking resemblance to dead leaves floating on the surface of the water.
Interestingly, these predatory insects swim very poorly and practically do not fly due to underdeveloped wings. They live in bodies of water with standing water and dense vegetation. They can sit in ambush for hours and wait for their prey. They kill by inflicting a fatal bite.
Top 10 Largest insects in the world – Best Top 10
Insects are perhaps the most mysterious creatures on planet Earth. Surely many will agree with this statement. But what's special about them? Take their appearance, for example. It resembles the extraterrestrial life forms that we often see illustrated in books, magazines and the Internet.
In addition, there are a lot of insects and they are all completely different. Different sizes, colors, abilities. And each of them has its own job, its own purpose. Some insects can be called real workaholics, others seem to be created to be admired.
And there are those who, despite their attractive appearance, can be dangerous to humans.
People's attitudes towards insects can be both positive and negative. Many literally panic at the sight of insects, while others, on the contrary, are touched by looking at them. There are those who treat these miraculous creatures with special curiosity.
What can we say about you? Would you like to be in the company of butterflies, bugs and spiders? There is nothing wrong with this if they are small, but what do you say if we are talking about the largest insects in the world? Here, just the photographs make you feel uneasy.
Perhaps before you could not even imagine that there were such giants in the world. Many people disdain insects because of their small size, but there are those who do not really fit into the standard parameters.
Would you like to know which insects are considered the largest in the world? Today you will have such an opportunity. Our TOP 10 largest insects in the world will slightly increase your knowledge about those who live in our neighborhood.
It will be interesting, and maybe even scary. So, let's fly!
New Zealand grasshopper weta. (Veta)
These beetles reach a length of 10 centimeters, and this is not even taking into account their legs. Their weight can also be called impressive - 70 grams, and there are individuals of larger sizes. Due to their weight, they were recognized as one of the heaviest insects in the world, and in our ranking they are still in last place. You're probably wondering where you can find these insects. To see such a miracle of nature, you will most likely have to go to their permanent habitat - New Zealand.
Giant stag beetle
You can find such beetles in their homeland, North America. What can you say about their size? If together with stings, then from 45 to 60 mm, and if without stings, then from 30 to 40 mm. This is how long these insects are. They belong to the stag family. They have close relatives, but they are much smaller in size.
Goliath beetle
These beetles are considered one of the most beautiful beetles in the whole world, all thanks to their interesting features. They have the original black and white color. Males reach a length from 80 to 110 mm, and females from 50 to 80 mm. Their weight is also not small: approximately 47 grams. According to eyewitnesses, there are individuals reaching 100 grams. All this brought goliath beetles into our Top 10 largest insects on the planet. Where can you find such a miracle? To do this, you will have to travel to Central or Southeast America.
Giant stick insect
More recently, these insects were even considered extinct until scientists were able to find colonies of about 20 to 30 individuals. The discovery occurred on Lord Howe and neighboring islands. They are considered the rarest on earth, and if we talk about their appearance, they are very similar to dry grass stems. Why did they make it into our rating? Because they reach approximately 12 cm in length, although their thickness is only 1.5 cm.
Tree lobster
The tree lobster is also called the giant stick insect. This is one of the largest insects on our planet. Today there are very few of them left in the world. For a long time, the giant stick insect was considered a completely extinct species, until several of these insects were found on one small Australian island. Scientists managed to increase their population. Despite the lack of wings, the tree lobster is able to move quickly. The reproduction process of this species has its own unique characteristics. The giant stick insect does not need a male to reproduce. When laying eggs, the female creates her own clone.
What do giant bugs look like?
Giant water bugs have different nicknames. They are called fingerbiters because of their habit of tasting people's feet (which, as you can imagine, is a startling and painful experience).
Some call them electric light bugs because as adults, these winged behemoths actually fly, appearing around porch lights during mating season. Others call them fish killers. In Florida, people sometimes call them alligator ticks. It doesn’t matter what the nickname is, the main thing is that they are big and bite.
Find out more Bed (house) bug bites - signs and treatment
Members of the family have certain morphological characteristics. Their bodies are oval, elongated and appear flattened. They have predatory front legs designed for capturing prey, with thick thighs. Belostomas have short heads and small whiskers that are hidden under the eyes.
The beak, or rostrum, folds under the head, like those of terrestrial real killer beetles. They breathe using two small appendages at the end of their abdomen that function as siphons.
South American longhorned beetle (Titanus giganteus)
This species, also known as the titan beetle, can grow up to fifteen centimeters in length and has extremely powerful legs. The most noticeable and most dangerous feature of the beetle is its huge lower jaw.
Which supposedly can break pencils in half. This beetle's diet consists of plants, shrubs and decaying organic matter.
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing / Ornithoptera alexandrae
In second place is again a butterfly - Queen Alexandra's Birdwing. Its wingspan reaches 28 cm. It is considered the largest butterfly in the world. Queen Alexandra's Birdwing received its name in honor of Queen Alexandra of Great Britain, who lived in the 19th and 20th centuries. The habitat of this beautiful butterfly is limited to New Zealand and only to places where you can find kirkazon plants on which it feeds and in which it lays eggs.
Lumberjack Titan
This amazing giant insect is the largest beetle known to science living on Earth. Some specimens grow up to 22 centimeters long. No wonder it was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest beetle living in Young America. It is of great interest to collectors; the larger the dried specimen, the more valuable and expensive it is.
The lifespan of titan lumberjacks is 3-5 weeks. Surprisingly, they do not feed at all throughout their lives; they have enough reserves accumulated in the larval stage.
Top ten largest insects in the world
Despite the fact that insects are considered one of the smallest inhabitants of our planet, among them there are some really large specimens that can give a head start in size even to some vertebrates. Many people are interested in finding out what are the largest insects in the world.
In our article we have compiled the top largest representatives of this class of invertebrate animals. Don’t be surprised that you won’t find spiders in it, because, oddly enough, spiders, despite all their external similarity, do not belong to insects, representing a separate class, to which we will devote a special article.
So, let's get started and quickly answer the question - what is the largest insect in the world.
Our top 10 largest insects in the world open with the Giant Hornet, which lives mainly in Asian countries, but it can also be found in Russia in the Primorsky Territory.
This hornet reaches a length of about 5 cm, its poison is very toxic and dangerous for people who are allergic to such stings. Throughout history, many deaths from bites of these dangerous insects have been recorded.
Another remarkable fact is that the Giant Hornet can pursue its target up to 5 km, so it is better not to anger these representatives of the fauna.
Rhinoceros cockroach / Macropanesthia rhinoceros
In ninth place is the heaviest and largest cockroach in the world - the Rhinoceros Cockroach. Its length reaches 8 centimeters, and its weight often exceeds 30 grams. This brown giant lives in the forests of Australia.
Where it digs long underground tunnels for itself, hence its second name, the Giant Digging Cockroach.
Surprisingly, this insect is very popular among people, who often keep them as pets.
Giant Weta / Deinacrida heteracantha
Eighth place on our list is occupied by the Giant Weta, females of which can reach 9 cm in length, and their weight often exceeds 70 grams. The hind legs of this insect are covered with many spines (this is clearly visible in the photo), with the help of which Ueta defends itself from enemies by a kind of kicking. These giant “grasshoppers” live in New Zealand.
Giant water bug / Belostomatidae
Our top of the largest insects continues with the Giant water bug. If you think that bedbugs live only on land, you are deeply mistaken. This largest representative of this order of insects lives in water and reaches a size of about 15 cm.
Needless to say, the bite of such a giant is very painful; their prey is mainly small fish and frogs. Another remarkable fact is that female water bugs lay their eggs directly on the back of the male. He carries them on himself for about 10 days, after which new offspring hatch.
Surprisingly, many Asian countries consider this insect a delicacy and readily eat it.
Hercules beetle / Dynastes hercules
Next on our list is walking or crawling:) The Hercules beetle. The size of this giant beetle reaches 18 cm. These insects inhabit the forests of South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean countries.
The male of this fauna can be easily distinguished by his “trademark” long horn; females have no horns at all.
This beetle earned its nickname because it can carry objects hundreds of times its own weight.
Titan Lumberjack / Titanus giganteus
In fifth place we again have a representative of beetles - the Titan Lumberjack. It is considered the largest beetle on our planet. The Titan woodcutter, according to various sources, reaches a size of 22 cm.
This insect has very powerful jaws, with the help of which it tears apart the wood in which it likes to hide during the daytime. Snacking on an ordinary pencil is a piece of cake for him. You can meet these giants in the tropical forests of South America.
A remarkable fact is that a dried specimen of this insect reaches a price of about $1,000 from collectors.
Peacock-eye atlas / Attacus atlas
Our top list of the most gigantic insects in the world continues with the Atlas Peacock-eye butterfly. Its wingspan reaches 25 cm. This insect received its name in honor of the ancient Greek titan Atlas, who held the sky on his shoulders.
A remarkable fact is that this butterfly lives only 2 weeks and does not eat anything at all; I use the supply of nutrients obtained during its stay as a caterpillar.
The atlas peacock eye can be found in the countries of Southeast Asia.
Giant scolopendra / Scolopendra gigantea
The top three of our list opens with the Giant Scolopendra, the largest living centipede. This insect can reach a length of about 27 cm.
Solpuga
Salpuga opens the top three largest insects in our ranking. Has many different nicknames, such as phalanx or camel spider. The word “salpuga” is translated from Latin as “running away from the light of the sun.” This is true, since among representatives of this species there are those who live during the day. However, they are mainly nocturnal.
These large insects with unpredictable behavior look similar to spiders, but they are not spiders. The structure and arrangement of the limbs, the presence of chelicerae are similar to arachnids; they are all covered with long hairs. They carry a combination of the incongruous: a primitive structure and a highly developed tracheal system. They grow up to 7 centimeters long.
The camel spider is an aggressive predator; it attacks anyone it can defeat. Aggression also manifests itself towards each other.
Chinese mantis
The Chinese mantis is the second largest insect in the world. Home to China and other Asian countries. An adult grows up to 15 centimeters in length. Mantises have peculiar relationships between the sexes. After mating, females bite off the heads of their partners.
Praying mantises are fierce fighters against pests, flies and locusts. Therefore, they have won the universal love of farmers. They are bred at home, they are not picky, quickly get used to their owners, and can take food from their hands. Females are larger than males and can hunt small mammals, reptiles and small birds. The coloration of mantises blends well with their environment; they can sit in ambush for a long time, remaining unnoticed.
