Posted on Mar 22, 2011

The 16 Largest Insects In The World

All of your nightmares in one post.

by Matt Stopera

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Titan Beetle: French Guiana and Brazil

Interesting fact: The larvae have never been found, but are thought to feed inside wood and may take several years to reach full size before they pupate.
2. Elephant Beetles: Mexico through Venezuela

Interesting fact: The life span of an adult Elephant Beetle is around one to three months.
3. Giant Long-Legged Katydids: Malaysia

Interesting fact: They are believed the be the largest insect in the world.
4. Goliath Beetle: Ghana, Ivory Coast / Equatorial Africa, Central and East

Interesting fact: They feed primarily on tree sap and fruit.
5. Giant Burrowing Cockroach: Australia

Interesting fact: They are the largest cockroach in the world.
6. Giant Camel Spiders: The deserts of the Middle East

Interesting fact: Giant Camel Spiders have even been found hiding in soldier's sleeping bags.
7. Giant Walking Stick: Worldwide

Interesting fact: They are the longest insects in the world.
8. Giant Weta: New Zealand

Interesting fact: They are one of the heaviest insects in the world. They can weigh as much as a sparrow.
9. Giant Isopod: The Gulf Of Mexico

Interesting fact: They do not eat Doritos.
10. Atlas Moth: Southeast Asia

Interesting fact: In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk.
11. Tarantula Hawk: Found Throughout The World. They are the state insect of New Mexico.

Interesting fact: They eat tarantulas, that's how they got their name.
12. Giant Water Bug: Worldwide

Interesting fact: In Thailand they are considered a delicacy, and are often attracted, harvested and collected using black lights.
13. Queen Alexandra's Birdwing: Papua New Guinea

Interesting fact: It's the largest butterfly in the world. The first specimen ever found was taken down using a shotgun.
14. Chinese Mantis: Worldwide

Interesting fact: Originating from China, they were first introduced to North America around 1895 as a source of pest control.
15. Goliath Birdeater: Rainforests in South America

Interesting fact: Females always mate, but sometimes may end up eating their mates.
16. Japanese Giant Hornet: Japan

Interesting fact: An annoyed Japanese Giant Hornet will chase a perceived threat for up to 3 miles. They kill, on average, 40 people every year. That's more than any other wild animal in Japan.