These Are The Largest Insects in the World

Goliath Beetle

If you ever run into one of these in the African rainforests, you’ll instantly find out why it’s named the way it is. The goliath beetle can grow to a size of 10 cm but they usually stick to their own thing and just eat tree sap and fruit all day. Sounds like a healthy diet!

Tarantula Hawk Wasp

While this wasp may not be as big as some of the other creatures on this list with a size of only 5 cm, it deserves a spot for being the biggest wasp and getting its name because it literally hunts and kills tarantulas. Also, this cute lady paralyzes its prey, pops a single egg in it and then lets the larva eat the victim.

Atlas Beetle

This 13 cm long subtype of rhinoceros beetle can be found in Indonesia and, like all rhino beetles, can be pretty fiesty and aggressive if you run into one. You can find the reason for its name in the fact that its mandibles look like they could hold up the sky, much like Atlas had to.

Macrodontia cervicornis

This big boy can measure up to 17 cm and might join you on a hike through the rainforests in South America. The mandibles look like they’d be capable to chop a finger off, so you may not want to pet it if you run into one. I’m not sure if these beetles eat fingers, but are we really willing to take our chances?

Giant Water Bug

I know, I was expecting a more fabulous name as well. The simplicity of it does make it very easy to instantly know what you’re getting: this bug lives in water, and is giant. It can grow up to 12 cm in length and is also known as a “toe biter” because it will pinch your toes if you get too close to it.