Ian
priscilla 1World's Biggest Bugs
March 16th 2011 01:33
The body and shell structure of an insect is normally what limits its size.
However, it is possible to find some surprisingly large insects out there.
As reported on TreeHugger (link above) here are some exceptional huge insects!
These beetles are just one member of the 30,000-strong scarab family, which has roamed the Earth for 300 million years, and reportedly holds the record for world's heaviest insect: One topped out at 4.5 inches long and 3.5 ounces.
Not all giant bugs are outfitted with terrifyingly sharp jaws and a suit of external armor: The giant walking stick looks practically dainty next to these plus-sized beetles. Or at least, it would look that way if you could spot it -- these insects are some of the most successful hiders in the world, with bodies that very closely match the trees and branches where they live.
Female walking sticks are often larger than the males, and have been known to reach as long as 21 inches when measured from toe to toe. You'll find them almost worldwide, in tropical regions and some temperate zones, where they take shelter under plants during the day and feast on leaves at night.
When it comes to insects, butterflies are the kind many find beautiful on a grand scale -- which is a good thing for the Queen Alexandra Birdwing, because their wingspan can reach as much as one foot across.
It's not unusual for water bugs to be mistaken for cockroaches -- but at four inches long, the giant water bugs are noticeably bigger. These bugs thrive near slow-moving water where they can eat tadpoles and small fish (and survive on crickets when in captivity).
The small, round sacs on the back of this male water bug are eggs; the female water bug lays them on his back, secreting a gluey liquid to attach them, and the male carries them until they hatch.
We'll expand the category of "bug" to include this massive arachnid, the Goliath bird-eating spider, which -- though it's the size of a dinner plate -- is relatively harmless to humans.
But it's not so harmless if you're a frog, lizard, small snake, or -- yes -- baby bird: The toothless spider incapacitates its victim by using the venom in its fangs, and then spits digestive juices onto the prey so that it can "slurp up its meal," says Extreme Science. "All that's left when the spider has finished its meal is bones, skin, fur, and/or feathers."
However, it is possible to find some surprisingly large insects out there.
As reported on TreeHugger (link above) here are some exceptional huge insects!
Goliath Beetle
Giant Walking Stick
Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly
Giant Water Bug
The small, round sacs on the back of this male water bug are eggs; the female water bug lays them on his back, secreting a gluey liquid to attach them, and the male carries them until they hatch.
Goliath Bird-Eating Spider
But it's not so harmless if you're a frog, lizard, small snake, or -- yes -- baby bird: The toothless spider incapacitates its victim by using the venom in its fangs, and then spits digestive juices onto the prey so that it can "slurp up its meal," says Extreme Science. "All that's left when the spider has finished its meal is bones, skin, fur, and/or feathers."
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