Insects represent the most diverse and numerous group of organisms on Earth, displaying an astonishing range of sizes and forms. Among the millions of described species, certain individuals push the boundaries of what is physically possible for an arthropod. Humans are often drawn to these biological extremes, particularly records of height, weight, or length. The question of which insect holds the title for the longest in the world is a frequently updated record, highlighting the incredible dimensions achieved by some of these creatures. This exploration focuses on the current scientific record holder for sheer length.
The Definitive Longest Insect Species
The current holder of the longest insect record is a species of stick insect, Phryganistria chinensis, belonging to the insect order Phasmatodea. The record-breaking specimen is a female that reached a total length of 640 millimeters, which is just over 25 inches. This measurement was confirmed with the insect’s legs fully outstretched.
The original wild specimen was discovered in 2014 by a researcher in the mountainous region of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. It was found at an altitude of 1,200 meters, resembling a dark shadow or a twig on the road. Following its collection, the female laid eggs while being kept at the Insect Museum of West China. One captive-bred offspring eventually surpassed the original finding to claim the world record. The body of this colossal specimen, excluding its legs and antennae, measures 38.2 centimeters.
How Insect Length is Measured
Determining the “longest” insect can be complicated by the various ways a specimen can be measured, leading to ambiguity in record-keeping. Scientists typically use two primary metrics to define the size of elongated insects like stick insects. The first is “Total Length,” which includes the length from the tip of the head or antennae to the end of the hind legs when fully extended. This metric yields the most dramatic figures, as seen with the current record holder.
The second and more standardized measurement is “Body Length,” which only includes the head, thorax, and abdomen. This method is favored in scientific classification because it provides a consistent, repeatable measurement regardless of the position of the legs or antennae. Appendages are easily broken or positioned differently in preserved specimens. The body length record is held by Phobaeticus chani, or Chan’s megastick, measuring 355 millimeters (14 inches). Measuring live specimens in the field presents difficulties, and preserved museum specimens can sometimes shrink or become brittle over time, complicating accurate comparison.
Other Exceptional Giants
While Phryganistria chinensis holds the overall length record, many other insects are noted for their exceptional size, particularly within the order Phasmatodea. Phobaeticus chani is a notable giant that held the title for overall length until the discovery of the Chinese species. This megastick is native to the rainforests of Borneo and is still recognized for having the longest unassisted body length of any known insect species.
The Titan Beetle (Titanus giganteus) from the Amazon rainforest is often cited as a large insect, but it is famous for its bulk and weight, not its length. Its thick body and powerful mandibles make it one of the heaviest insects, but its length is much shorter than the stick insects. Separately, the extinct Meganeuropsis permiana, a prehistoric relative of the dragonfly, is known for the largest wingspan of any insect that ever lived, measuring up to 71 centimeters (28 inches) across.