Mark, a former park ranger, discovered the massive weta, which has a wing span of seven inches, on a tree. This was the result of two days of searching on a tiny island called Little Barrier Island, in New Zealand. The species were wiped off the mainland by rats accidentally introduced by Europeans. After feeding it a carrot, Mark put it back exactly where he found her. Continue reading for more.
5. Titan Beetle
Titan Beetles have curved and sharp mandibles can snap pencils in half and cut into human flesh. Adult titan beetles do not feed, searching instead for mates. 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.
4. Stick Insect
Stick insects can be relatively large, ranging from 1.5 centimetres (0.59 in) to over 30 centimetres (12 in) in length. Females of the genus Phobaeticus are the world’s longest insects, measuring up to 56.7 centimetres (22.3 in) in total length in the case of Phobaeticus chani, including the outstretched legs. Females of the species Heteropteryx dilatata are the heaviest known phasmids, possibly weighing in excess of 65 grams.
3. Atlas Moth
Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world[2] in terms of total wing surface area, reaching upwards of c. 400 cm2 (62 sq in). Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, reaching over 25 cm (10 in). Females are appreciably larger and heavier. Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns.
2. Tarantula Hawk
A tarantula hawk is a spider wasp which hunts tarantulas as food for its larvae. The female tarantula hawk captures, stings, and paralyzes the spider, then either drags her prey back into her own burrow or transports it to a specially prepared nest, where a single egg is laid on the spider’s abdomen, and the entrance is covered. When the wasp larva hatches, it creates a small hole in the spider’s abdomen, then enters and feeds voraciously, avoiding vital organs for as long as possible to keep the spider alive.
1. Giant Burrowing Cockroach
The giant burrowing cockroach, also known as the rhinoceros cockroach, are native to Australia and mostly found in tropical parts of Queensland. They are the world’s heaviest species of cockroach, can weigh up to 35 g (1.2 oz), and measure up to 80 mm (3.1 in) in length. They can live for up to 10 years. Unlike some other cockroaches, they do not have wings and are not considered pests.
