Which are the 20 most bizarre insects in the world?  

The intricate world of insects never ceases to amaze us with its incredible diversity and astonishing adaptations. Within this realm, some species stand out as extraordinary due to their bizarre appearances, peculiar behaviours, or unique characteristics. From the depths of rainforests to the deserts and beyond, we delve into the realm of the extraordinary to present the twenty most bizarre insects in the world.

But wait! Why should we learn about these species? Ms Neetu Bhardwaj, a PGT Biology educator at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg says, “It is crucial to learn about the world of insects. From agriculture to cloth, they help humans in many ways. Broadening one’s horizons can even lead to finding solutions on how to prevent diseases and calamities. Humanity, at large, can be benefitted only if we are able to leverage this knowledge.”

Sharing a similar view, Ms Pinky Mathur, another Biology educator at Apeejay School, Noida says, “It was not that long ago when the national capital was plagued by locusts. This was the time of the Covid-19 pandemic during which we received a government advisory to keep the doors and windows of our houses shut. So, imagine! How these tiny creatures can even involve governments owing to their enormous power.”

So let’s check these little beasts out! Besides. How many did you know about?   

Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus)

Also known as the “flower mantis,” this stunning insect imitates the appearance of an orchid blossom, camouflaging itself to deceive both prey and predators.

Giraffe Weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa)

Found in Madagascar, the elongated neck of the male Giraffe Weevil makes it one of the most unusual-looking insects in the world, used primarily for combat during mating.

Devil’s Flower Mantis (Idolomantis diabolica)

With its vibrant colours and spiky appearance, this mantis species aptly earns its name. It possesses a unique triangular head shape and displays aggressive defensive behaviour.

Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules)

Regarded as one of the largest beetles on Earth, the Hercules Beetle’s intimidating size and long horns are awe-inspiring. Males use these horns to fight for territory and mates.

Goliath Stick Insect (Phobaeticus chani)

Measuring up to 22 inches, this stick insect holds the record for being the world’s longest insect. It expertly blends with its surroundings, mimicking a twig.

Assassin Bug (Acanthaspis petax)

This is the “corpses-in-disguise” bug which adorns the carcasses of its prey, utilising their dried exoskeletons as camouflage to surprise unsuspecting victims.

Glasswing Butterfly (Greta oto)

Known for its transparent, glass-like wings, this butterfly is an enchanting sight. Its see-through wings help it evade predators by making it almost invisible.

Thorn Bug (Umbonia crassicornis)

Resembling a thorn-covered plant, this bug features bizarre structures on its back, which serve as a protective mechanism, shielding it from predators.

Ogre-Faced Spider (Deinopis sp.)

This nocturnal hunter possesses incredibly large forward-facing eyes, enabling it to accurately detect and capture its prey, even in low light conditions.

Trap-Jaw Ant (Odontomachus sp.)

Featuring powerful mandibles that can snap shut at extraordinary speeds, the Trap-Jaw Ant uses this trait for both defense and capturing prey.

Brazilian Treehopper (Bocydium globulare)

Referred to as a “walking seed,” this treehopper mimics the appearance of a thorny plant, protecting itself from potential predators.

Lanternfly (Fulgora sp.)

The Lanternfly sports a peculiar elongated head with a prominent protuberance resembling a lantern. While the function of this structure remains unclear, it is believed to be a defense mechanism.

Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum)

With its rapid wingbeats and hovering abilities similar to a hummingbird, this moth mesmerises observers with its mimicry skills and unique feeding behaviour.

Dead Leaf Mantis (Deroplatys desiccata)

Efficiently blending with the environment, this mantis mimics the appearance of a dried leaf, fooling both predators and potential prey.

Elephant Beetle (Megasoma elephas)

Known for its colossal size and striking resemblance to an elephant’s trunk, this beetle’s elongated and curvy appendage makes it one of the most peculiar insects on the planet. It is mostly spotted in lowland rainforests of Central and South America.

Peacock Spider (Maratus sp.)

Despite its small size, this insect captivates one with its vibrant colours and intricate courtship dances, showcasing its ornate and iridescent abdominal flaps.

Whip Spider (Amblypygi)

Also known as the tailless whip scorpion, this arachnid possesses elongated, whip-like appendages that it uses for sensing and capturing prey. Its spindly appearance makes it a sight to behold.

Lantern Bug (Pyrops sp.)

With its long, protruding head and extravagant, lantern-like structures, this bug’s appearance is both bizarre and visually captivating. It is believed that the lanterns serve a communication or mating purpose.

Leafcutter Ant (Atta sp.)

Renowned for their industrious nature, leafcutter ants cut and transport foliage to their colonies. Witnessing a trail of these ants marching in unison while carrying leaves is a fascinating spectacle.

Giant Weta (Deinacrida sp.)

Hailing from New Zealand, the Giant Weta is one of the largest and heaviest insects in the world. Its robust body and sizable legs are reminiscent of a prehistoric creature, making it a true oddity.

From insects that resemble flowers and thorns to those imitating dead leaves and mythical creatures, their adaptations and appearances showcase the marvels of nature’s creativity. In the above listicle, we have encountered an enchanting array of features and behaviours, from elaborate camouflage strategies to fascinating mimicry, incredible sizes, and unique hunting techniques.

While their appearances might seem strange to us, they are a testament to the incredible adaptability and evolution of life forms on our planet. Each insect has found its niche and survival strategy, ensuring their continued existence in the ever-changing world they inhabit.

Sharing a peculiar feature about the world of insects, Ms Malini Sridhar, a PGT Biology educator at Apeejay School, Pitampura says, “Mullerian and Batesian mimicry is super interesting! As part of the former, two harmful species mimic each other as a survival technique, while in Batesian mimicry, a harmless species mimics the appearance of a harmful or noxious species. Therefore, some insects may resemble a flower, a green leaf, twig and much more. Their behaviour changes as per their surroundings and that’s truly fascinating!” A commonly found insect in India are Orchid Mantis. It is also known as a death flower.

Ms Sridhar advises students to keep their eyes, ears open to the natural world.  The educator who holds M.Sc. in Zoology also shared a life lesson for young minds. She says, “From a small creature like an ant, one can learn hierarchy, team spirit and collaboration. Ants live in colonies and create wonders together! This is a crucial learning we need to imbibe”   

So, the next time you venture into nature, keep an eye out for the extraordinary, for even the tiniest of creatures can possess the most astonishing attributes. The world of insects, with its hidden treasures and peculiarities, invites us to appreciate the boundless beauty and diversity that surround us.