The Largest Insect in the World Is the Size of a Sparrow

Look, we're going to be honest with you. There are some freaking enormous bugs on this list. mikroman6 / Getty Images

Insects are everywhere, from the deepest jungles to your backyard. They may even make some unwanted cameo appearances in your kitchen. Ideally, those bugs would be smaller and less intimidating than the world's largest insect — a supersized creature you'll have to see to believe.

Among these tiny titans, some enormous insects have reached borderline unfathomable proportions. Let's take a closer look at the biggest bugs in the world, coming in sll sorts of shapes and sizes.

1. Giant Wetas (Deinacrida heteracantha)

The Barrier Island giant weta (or wētā) is the true heavyweight of the insect world.

These colossal creatures are endemic to New Zealand, an island known for its unique and sometimes spooky wildlife. Giant wētās typically grow up to 4 inches (10.2 cm) long and weigh up to 1.2 ounces (28.4 grams). That's the size of a sparrow!

One extraordinary female specimen of the Little Barrier Island giant wētā weighed in at a whopping 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams). It's far and away the heaviest adult insect ever observed.

But don’t let their size fool you: These bugs are gentle giants. They prefer a diet of leaves, flowers and fruit. Their impressive size is an adaptation to life on an isolated island; fewer predators allowed them to evolve without pressure to remain small.

While the giant weta may weigh the most and look the largest, there are plenty of other contenders for biggest bug of the bunch. Some are super long, others are very heavy. Here are some other largest insects worth knowing about.

2. Stick Insects (Phasmatodea)

Next on our tour is the stick bug, a master of disguise and the longest insect in the world. Experts at blending in with their surroundings, you'd have a hard time distinguishing them from twigs and branches from nearby trees — and, luckily for them, their predators have a hard time doing that too!

Stick insects range widely in size depending on the species, but many measure over 1 foot (30.5 cm) long. Despite their impressive length, the body of a stick insect is relatively short compared to their spindly limbs.

The champions of this group belong to the genus Phobaeticus, including the species Phobaeticus serratipes and Phobaeticus chani. Entomologists found one specimen of Phobaeticus serratipes that was close to 2 feet (61 cm) long with its legs extended.

Like giant wetas, stick bugs are herbivores. Their incredible camouflage allows them to remain undetected as they munch away. They're a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation in action.

3. Giant Water Bugs

The giant water bug is an aquatic insect that can grow to impressive sizes. These daunting bugs spend their lives in ponds, lakes and slow-moving streams across the globe. They’re known for their broad, flattened bodies, which can reach lengths of up to 4 inches (10.1 cm).

In this case, their size is the least of their neighbors worries. Giant water bugs are natural born predators. These fierce hunters can take down fish, amphibians and even small snakes. Their powerful front legs grasp their prey so they can deliver a venomous bite to subdue their victims.

But there's good news for us humans: That bite may be painful, but it's not actually dangerous. If you meet a giant water bug, you'll definitely make it out alive and well.

As a matter of fact, some people throughout the world treat these bugs are a crunchy snack rich in protein. Their presence in freshwater ecosystems is vital, as they help control populations of other aquatic creatures.

4. Royal Goliath Beetle (Goliathus goliatus)

Meet the royal Goliath beetle, a magnificent insect hailing from the rainforests of Central and South America. During their larval stage, they hold the record for being the heaviest insect in the world. Goliath beetle larvae can reach a staggering size of at least 115 grams (4.1 ounces) and measure up to 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) in length.

Goliath beetles primarily feed on tree sap and fruits. They pose no threat to humans or just about anything else. Some cultures also collect and display these bugs as exotic curiosities. Their beautifully patterned exoskeletons range in color from brown to a striking black and white.

5. Dragonflies and Damselflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are among the most graceful and agile insects, known for their dazzling aerial displays and iridescent colors. But did you know that some of them are also record-breakers?

The blue-winged helicopter (Megaloprepus caerulatus) is the largest living member of the order Odonata, which includes both dragonflies and damselflies. It boasts a body length of about 130 mm (5 inches) and a wingspan of 190 mm (7.5 inches).

But while these modern-day giants are impressive, they pale in comparison to their prehistoric relatives.

This ancient titan, Meganeuropsis permiana, had a body about 430 mm (17 inches) long and a wingspan of an incredible 710 mm (28 inches). That puts every other bug on this list to shame. It's the largest known insect on record — turns out giant reptiles weren't the only massive animals to inhabit prehistoric Earth.

6. Butterflies and Moths

When it comes to butterflies, the Queen Alexandra’s birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae) takes the crown as the largest. This breathtaking species is native to the lush rainforests of Papua New Guinea. Adult females can have a body length of about 80 mm (3 inches) and a wingspan slightly in excess of 250 mm (9.8 inches).

The atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is the largest of its kind. Found in the forests of Asia, these moths have wingspans reaching up to 240 mm (9.4 inches).

Atlas moths are so big that people in Asia occasionally use their cocoons as purses for pocket change. Their impressive size and intricate wing patterns make them a favorite among entomologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.