These are the world’s largest insects by length, mass, and wingspan. Not only that, but it is also the longest-living insect of all.
Giant weta
There are eleven species, all of which are endemic to New Zealand, and one of them is even protected by law because of the risk of extinction. They have the title of the world's heaviest insect, and they can reach up to 70 grams (2.47 oz.) and 10 cm (4 in.) in length. To put it in perspective, they are heavier than sparrows. Sadly, they are found mostly in neighboring New Zealand islands and have been exterminated on the mainland islands by introduced mammalian pests, which are also one of the biggest threats to these incredible creatures as a whole.
Phryganistria chinensis
They are a species of leaf insects and are classified as the world's longest animal, with the record holder in the wild at 62.4 centimeters (24.6 in) in total length (including extended legs) and the captive-bred young that surpassed him at 64 centimeters (25 in). They are found in northeastern South Asia, northern Mainland South-east Asia, and southern China.
White witch moth
Described in 1705, these insects have been known to the public for quite some time now. They are believed to be the insect with the largest wingspan, but it should be said that the Atlas moth and Hercules moth, however, have greater wing areas. The record holder is an individual captured in Brazil, measuring 30 cm (12 in). The interesting thing about these large insects is that they are actually widely spread and can be found from Uruguay to Mexico, and from time to time they have been spotted in the US (Texas).
Termite Queens
Similar to ants, termites have the same structure: queen, reproductive males, and workers. Moreover, while the normal worker and soldier termites can live for one to two years, with kings living up to 10 years, the termite queens can live for 25–50 years, and during that time they lay roughly more than 300,000 eggs, making them the longest-living extant species of insects in the world.
So that was it! – Now you know all about record holding insects. I hope you learned a lot regarding the spectacular wildlife on our planet with The Wildlife Echo!
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