Entomophobia is an extreme and persistent fear of insects, and if you don’t have this yet, there’s a good chance you will by the time you’re done reading this. Today we’re looking at some of the creepiest creepy crawlies that we’re currently cohabitating on the planet with. Let’s get started!
Titan Beetle
The Titan Beetle is one of the largest species of beetles and this creepy-crawly has an unusually strong jaw that can easily dent a plastic ruler or cut through the skin. While these guys aren’t typically aggressive, they will hiss at you if they feel threatened, and frankly, that’s terrifying enough to keep us away. You’re probably wondering exactly how long this beetle can get, and the answer to that is a whopping 6 ½ inches!
Puss Moth Caterpillar
If you’re like us, you feel a little uncomfortable even looking at this caterpillar. This is a puss moth caterpillar and these little things are typically found in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, during July, August, and September.
The Devil’s Flower Mantis
Well with a name like the Devil’s Flower.. This mantis is one of the largest of its kind, and its shape mimics a flower. So, terrifying, but also kind of pretty? While these mantes won’t hesitate to bite, they aren’t dangerous to humans.
Giant Weta
Okay, maybe it isn’t every bug we’re terrified of, just the giant ones. There is just something so unsettling about insects the size of adult human hands. An interesting fact about the giant weta is that they have no lungs, so they have to breathe through holes in their exoskeleton.
Goliath Birdeater
Speaking of terrifying gigantic insects, next on our list is the goliath birdeater. This tarantula’s leg span alone is 11 inches, and just as their name suggests, they are capable of eating entire birds.
Calleta Silkmoth Caterpillar
The calleta silkmoth caterpillar may be pretty to look at, but not only is this insect a painful snack due to the tiny bristles that line their body, but their hairs can be blown off of their bodies causing uncomfortable skin rashes to folks that come in contact with the airborne hairs. And a fun fact about their colors is that they actually change depending on their environment.