If you have entomophobia (fear of insects) this may be a good time to stop reading.
There are roughly 950,000 insect species on earth, which leaves a lot of room for particularly creepy crawlies! In honor of Halloween, here are 10 nightmarish bugs that deserve their own creature features.
Read on, at your own risk…
The Top 10 Most Terrifying Insects
1. Scorpion Fly
This terrifying insect certainly looks like something out of a horror movie. If their appearance isn’t enough to give you nightmares, maybe this fact will: this fly’s interest in human corpses have assisted scientists in human cadaver studies. Not your common fly.
2. Brahmin Moth Caterpillar
This particular caterpillar resembles something altogether alien. Their tentacle like spindles reaching up from the abdomen serve as a (likely very effective) defense mechanism.
3. Camel Spider
The Camel Spider, neither a true scorpion nor true spider, can grow to 6 inches in length. While there are many urban legends about their supposed danger to humans, they are not venomous or aggressive.
4. Puss Moth Caterpillar
The larvae of the puss moth caterpillar is said to resemble a Persian cat, contributing the “puss” to the name of this intimidating caterpillar. If the off-putting appearance of this insect were not enough, it also happens to be one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America.
5. Goliath Birdeater
The name says it all. This truly gigantic tarantula is so large it has been known to eat entire birds. These rain forest inhabitants can have a leg span up to 11 inches, life span of up to 25 years, and will bite humans if threatened.
6. Giant Weta
Resembling a large cricket, the giant weta species are among the largest and heaviest insects in the world. The name weta comes from the Maori word wetapunga, meaning “god of ugly things”.
7. Assassin Bug
Their spiny appearance can be intimidating, and for good reason. Assassin bugs, though safe to observe, should not be handled as their bites are said to be quite painful.
8. Titan Beetle
This huge beetle can grow up to 6.5 inches in length, and has mandibles that can snap a pencil in half. Another terrifying inhabitant of the rain forest, they have also been known to attack humans when threatened.
9. Giant Centipede
This yellow-legged centipede stays true to its name, reaching a length of 12 inches! Known for their aggressive nature, they have been known to prey on mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods alike.
10. Tarantula Hawk
With a max length of 2 inches, the tarantula hawk may not be the largest insect on the list but it is certainly one of the gutsiest. Hooked legs and a stinger help these spider wasps prey on tarantulas.
While few of these chilling insects inhabit California or Nevada, you never know what you’ll find in or around your own home. That’s where the professionals at Advanced IPM Pest Control come in! If you find something even remotely resembling one of the terrors on this list, give us a call.