The insect world displays an astonishing array of forms and sizes, from microscopic mites to creatures spanning many centimeters. This diversity often sparks curiosity about extremes, such as the largest, smallest, or fastest. Among these fascinating records, the title of the longest insect captures particular interest, highlighting the remarkable adaptations that allow some species to achieve impressive dimensions.
The Reigning Champion of Length
The current record holder for the longest insect in the world is a species of stick insect known as Phryganistria chinensis. It was discovered in 2014 in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China by Zhao Li, curator of the Insect Museum of West China (IMWC). The first specimen measured 62.4 cm (24.6 inches) with its legs fully outstretched. It was found on a road in a mountainous area at 1,200 meters.
This stick insect mimics its environment, resembling a tree branch or twig for camouflage. Its slender body is typically brown or green. The record-holding specimen was a female that laid six eggs at the IMWC. One offspring surpassed her in length, reaching 64 cm (25 inches) with legs extended. This measurement includes the full length from head to the end of its longest outstretched leg.
Other Elongated Insects
While Phryganistria chinensis holds the record, other insect species are notable for their elongated forms, especially within the stick insect order (Phasmatodea). Before Phryganistria chinensis, Chan’s megastick, Phobaeticus chani, from Borneo, held the record. A specimen measured 56.7 cm (22.3 inches) with front legs extended, though its body length was 35.7 cm (14.1 inches). Named after Malaysian naturalist Datuk Chan Chew Lun, this species was described in 2008 and is known from only a few specimens found in Sabah.
Another stick insect, Pharnacia kirbyi, also from Borneo, has a body length of 32.8 cm (12.9 inches) and a total length, including legs, of 54.6 cm (21.5 inches). The definition of “longest” can vary, often referring to total length including appendages like legs or antennae, or strictly body length. For instance, some longhorn beetles, such as Batocera wallacei, can reach overall lengths of 26.6 cm (10.5 inches), with about 19 cm (7.5 inches) being their antennae. This highlights how different body parts contribute to length across diverse insect groups.