weird insects Weird Insects

40 Weird Insects Like You’ve Never Seen Before

Insects are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. They come in all shapes and sizes, with unique features that make them stand out from the crowd. Some insects, however, take “weird” to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most bizarre and unusual insects in the world.

01. Deroplatys Truncata

deroplatys truncata Weird Insects

The Deroplatys Truncata, also known as the dead leaf mantis, is a fascinating insect that looks like a dried leaf. This species is found in Southeast Asia, and it uses its incredible camouflage to blend in with its surroundings and avoid predators. One of the most interesting features of this mantis is its ability to sway back and forth, mimicking the movement of a leaf in the breeze. This behavior, coupled with its leaf-like appearance, makes it nearly impossible for predators to detect.

02. Macleay’s Spectre

macleays spectre Weird Insects

Macleay’s Spectre, or the Giant Prickly Stick Insect, is a strange insect that looks like a twig. This species is native to Australia and can grow up to 25 centimeters long. The Macleay’s Spectre uses its spiky legs and body to mimic a thorny branch, making it almost indistinguishable from the real thing. This insect is also a master of disguise, and it can even change its color to blend in with its surroundings.

03. Hazelnut Weevil

hazelnut weevil Weird Insects

The Hazelnut Weevil is a peculiar insect that feeds on the nuts of hazelnut trees. This species is found in Europe and Asia and is known for its long snout, which it uses to pierce the nuts and lay its eggs inside. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the nut’s flesh, causing damage to the crop. While this may not seem like a desirable trait, the Hazelnut Weevil is an essential part of the ecosystem, and it plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter.

04. Anacua Tortoise Beetle

anacua tortoise beetle Weird Insects
Image source: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/470375-Coptocycla-texana/browse_photos

The Anacua Tortoise Beetle is a unique insect that is native to Central and South America. This species is named for its hard, shiny shell, which resembles a tortoise’s shell. The Anacua Tortoise Beetle is also known for its ability to change color, turning from a bright metallic green to a dull brown when threatened. This insect uses its shell as protection, curling up inside it to shield itself from predators.

05. Minstrel Bug

minstrel bug Weird Insects

The Minstrel Bug, also known as the Jewel Bug, is a colorful insect found in South America. This species has a bright, metallic shell that shimmers in the light, making it an attractive sight for those lucky enough to spot one. The Minstrel Bug’s shell is not just for show, however. This insect also uses its colorful appearance to deter predators, warning them that it is not a good meal.

06. Pink Stink Bug

pink stink bBug Weird Insects

The Pink Stink Bug, also known as the Spotted Stink Bug, is an unusual insect found in North America. It has a bright pink or red body with black spots, making it one of the most colorful stink bugs around. The Pink Stink Bug gets its name from the odor it emits when it feels threatened. This odor is meant to deter predators and is similar to the smell of cilantro.

07. Eastern Rhinoceros Beetle

eastern rhinoceros beetle Weird Insects

The Eastern Rhinoceros Beetle, also known as the Unicorn Beetle, is a large insect found in North America. It has a distinctive horn on its head, which it uses for defense and mating purposes. The Eastern Rhinoceros Beetle feeds on decaying wood and can cause damage to trees and other plants. However, it also plays an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and providing a food source for other animals.

08. Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle

japanese rhinoceros beetle Weird Insects

The Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle is a close relative of the Eastern Rhinoceros Beetle and is found in Japan, Korea, and China. Like its cousin, it has a horn on its head, which it uses to fight other males for mating rights. The Japanese Rhinoceros Beetle is also a popular pet in some parts of Asia, where people keep them in special cages and feed them a diet of sap and fruit.

09. Six-spotted Tiger Beetle

six spotted tiger beetle Weird Insects

The Six-spotted Tiger Beetle is a striking insect found in North America. It has a metallic green body with six white spots on its wing covers, making it one of the most colorful tiger beetles around. The Six-spotted Tiger Beetle is a fast runner and a fierce predator, using its sharp mandibles to catch and eat other insects. It is also a popular subject for nature photographers, who appreciate its beauty and unique features.

10. Giraffe-necked Weevil

giraffe necked weevil Weird Insects

The Giraffe-necked Weevil is a bizarre insect found in Madagascar. It has an incredibly long neck, which can be up to three times the length of its body. The Giraffe-necked Weevil uses its neck to fight other males for mating rights and to reach food sources that are out of reach for other insects. It is also a popular attraction for tourists visiting Madagascar, who marvel at its strange appearance.

11. Thick-legged Flower Beetle

thick legged flower beetle Weird Insects

The Thick-legged Flower Beetle, also known as the Oedemera nobilis, is a beetle that is found in Europe and parts of North Africa. This beetle has a distinctive metallic green body and thick, muscular legs that allow it to jump and climb with ease. The Thick-legged Flower Beetle is also known for its strong jaws, which it uses to crush and eat flower petals. Despite its voracious appetite, this beetle is considered harmless to plants and is a valuable pollinator.

12. Violin Bug (Dalader Acuticosta)

violin beetle dalader acuticosta Weird Insects

With its vibrant colors and peculiar appearance, the Dalader Acuticosta is a true marvel of nature. This extraordinary insect, native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, boasts elongated, leaf-like appendages on its thorax, resembling a natural camouflage. These extensions serve a dual purpose, acting both as a defense mechanism and as a means to attract mates. Watching these insects sway and blend seamlessly into their surroundings is like observing a living work of art.

13. Firebug

firebug Weird Insects

The Firebug, also known as the Pyrrhocoris apterus, is a brightly colored insect found in Europe and parts of Asia. It has a distinctive red and black body and feeds on the sap of plants. The Firebug is known for its unusual behavior, including aggregating in large groups and communicating with each other through chemical signals. It is also a popular subject for insect enthusiasts and photographers, who appreciate its bright colors and unique features.

14. Bulldog Ant

bulldog ant Weird Insects

The Bulldog Ant, also known as the Myrmecia pyriformis, is a species of ant found in Australia. It has a large, robust body and powerful jaws, which it uses to catch and subdue prey. The Bulldog Ant is also known for its aggressive behavior and painful sting, which can be dangerous to humans. Despite this, it is considered a valuable part of the ecosystem, controlling populations of other insects and providing food for other animals.

15. Leafcutter Ants

Leafcutter Ant Weird Insects

Leafcutter Ants, also known as Atta and Acromyrmex, are a group of ants found in South and Central America. They are known for their unusual behavior of cutting and carrying pieces of leaves and other plant material back to their nests. Leafcutter Ants are also important agricultural pests, causing damage to crops and other plants. However, they are also considered beneficial to the environment, providing a food source for other animals and playing a role in nutrient cycling.

16. Red Velvet Ant

red velvet ant Weird Insects

The Red Velvet Ant, also known as the Cow Killer Ant, is not actually an ant but a species of wingless wasp found in the southern United States. It has a bright red and black velvety body and a painful sting, which has earned it the nickname “Cow Killer.” Despite its intimidating name, the Red Velvet Ant is relatively harmless to humans and actually feeds on the larvae of other insects. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular subject for insect enthusiasts and photographers.

17. Leaf-Mimic Katydid

leaf mimic katydid Weird Insects

The Leaf-Mimic Katydid, also known as the Phyllomimicus, is a type of katydid found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It has an uncanny ability to mimic the appearance and movement of a dead leaf, allowing it to blend in with its surroundings and avoid detection by predators. The Leaf-Mimic Katydid is considered a master of camouflage, and its unique adaptation has helped it to survive in a competitive and challenging environment.

18. Feather Horned Beetle

feather horned beetle Weird Insects

The Feather Horned Beetle, also known as the Rhipicera femorata, is a bizarre-looking insect found in the forests of Japan. It has long, feathery antennae that resemble feathers and a distinctive, horn-like protrusion on its head. The Feather Horned Beetle is a harmless and relatively rare insect, but its unique appearance has made it a popular subject for collectors and photographers.

19. Ironclad Beetle

ironclad beetle Weird Insects

The Ironclad Beetle, also known as the Phloeodes diabolicus, is a species of beetle found in the deserts of the southwestern United States. It has a tough, armor-like exoskeleton that allows it to withstand extreme temperatures and protect itself from predators. The Ironclad Beetle is considered one of the toughest insects on the planet, and its unique adaptation has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

20. Spiny Flower Mantis

spiny flower mantis Weird Insects

The Spiny Flower Mantis, also known as the Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii, is a species of praying mantis found in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a striking appearance, with a bright green body and long, spiny legs that resemble the thorns of a plant. The Spiny Flower Mantis is a skilled predator, using its camouflage and stealth to capture other insects and small animals. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular choice for insect enthusiasts and collectors.

21. Lanternfly

lanternfly Weird Insects

The Lanternfly, also known as the Spotted Lanternfly, is a highly invasive insect species from Asia that has recently been introduced to the northeastern United States. It has a striking appearance, with brightly colored wings and a distinctive pattern of spots and stripes. The Lanternfly is a major pest of fruit trees and other crops, and its rapid spread has caused concern among farmers and agricultural experts. Efforts are underway to control its population and prevent further damage to crops.

22. Green Katydid

green katydid Weird Insects

The Green Katydid, also known as the Common True Katydid, is a species of katydid found throughout North America. It has a bright green body and long, slender antennae, and is known for its distinctive “katydid” call. The Green Katydid is a herbivorous insect, feeding primarily on the leaves of trees and shrubs. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular subject for insect enthusiasts and nature lovers.

23. Wide-armed Mantid

wide armed mantid Weird Insects

The Wide-armed Mantid, also known as the Idolomantis diabolica, is a species of praying mantis found in Africa. It has a striking appearance, with long, spiny forearms and a distinctive “horn” on its head. The Wide-armed Mantid is a skilled predator, using its powerful forearms to capture and subdue prey. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular choice for insect enthusiasts and collectors.

24. Jungle Nymph

jungle nymph Weird Insects

The Jungle Nymph, also known as the Heteropteryx dilatata, is a species of stick insect found in Southeast Asia. It has a large, robust body and distinctive spines along its legs and abdomen. The Jungle Nymph is a herbivorous insect, feeding primarily on the leaves of trees and shrubs. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular subject for insect enthusiasts and collectors.

25. Treehopper

treehopper Weird Insects

The Treehopper is a family of insects found throughout the world, known for their distinctive appearance and behavior. They have a small, compact body with a distinctive “hump” on their back and long, spindly legs. Treehoppers are herbivorous insects, feeding primarily on the sap of trees and other plants. Their unique appearance and behavior make them a popular subject for insect enthusiasts and nature lovers.

26. Ruby-tailed Wasp

ruby tailed wasp Weird Insects

The Ruby-tailed Wasp, also known as the Chrysis ignita, is a species of parasitic wasp found throughout Europe. It has a metallic, iridescent body that ranges in color from green to red, and is known for its distinctive appearance and behavior. Ruby-tailed Wasps are parasitic, laying their eggs in the nests of other bees and wasps. They are often used as a natural control for pest insects, making them an important species in the ecosystem.

27. Death’s Head Caterpillar

deaths head caterpillar Weird Insects

The Death’s Head Caterpillar, also known as the Acherontia atropos, is a species of caterpillar found throughout Europe and Asia. It has a distinctive pattern of markings on its body, resembling a human skull. The Death’s Head Caterpillar is a herbivorous insect, feeding primarily on the leaves of plants. Its unique appearance has made it a popular subject for artists and designers, and it has also been featured in literature and folklore.

28. Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar

elephant hawkmoth caterpillar Weird Insects

The Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar, also known as the Deilephila elpenor, is a species of caterpillar found throughout Europe and Asia. It has a distinctive coloration, with bright pink and green stripes along its body. The Elephant Hawkmoth Caterpillar is a herbivorous insect, feeding primarily on the leaves of plants. Its unique appearance has made it a popular subject for nature photographers and insect enthusiasts.

29. Antlion

antlion Weird Insects

Antlions are insects that belong to the family Myrmeleontidae. They are known for their unique and bizarre behavior, as their larvae construct conical pits in sandy soil and wait for ants and other small insects to fall in. The antlion larva then throws sand at the prey, causing it to slide down to the bottom of the pit, where it is devoured. The adult antlion looks like a dragonfly and is characterized by its long wings and a long slender abdomen.

30. Trilobite Beetle

trilobite beetle Weird Insects

The Trilobite Beetle, also known as the Platerodrilus paradoxus, is a species of beetle found in the rainforests of Central and South America. It has a distinctive appearance, with a flat, trilobite-like body and long, spindly legs. The Trilobite Beetle is a nocturnal insect, feeding primarily on the sap of trees and other plants. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular subject for insect enthusiasts and collectors.

31. Scorpionfly

scorpionfly Weird Insects

The Scorpionfly, also known as the Mecoptera, is a species of insect found in temperate regions throughout the world. It has a long, thin body and large wings, and its tail has a curved structure that resembles the stinger of a scorpion. The Scorpionfly is a predatory insect, feeding primarily on other insects. Its unique appearance has made it a popular subject for nature photographers and insect enthusiasts.

32. Dobsonfly

dobsonfly Weird Insects

The Dobsonfly, also known as the Corydalidae, is a species of insect found in freshwater habitats throughout the world. It has a large, imposing appearance, with large wings and long mandibles that resemble a pair of antlers. The Dobsonfly is a predatory insect, feeding primarily on other insects and small fish. Its unique appearance and behavior make it a popular subject for nature photographers and insect enthusiasts.

34. Longhorn Beetle

longhorn beetle Weird Insects

Longhorns are well-known for their exceptionally long antennae, which can sometimes exceed the length of their own bodies. Found in various habitats worldwide, these beetles exhibit an astonishing array of colors and patterns. Some species even mimic other insects or objects in order to deceive potential predators. The longhorn beetle’s distinctive appearance and incredible adaptability make it a fascinating subject for entomologists and insect enthusiasts alike.

35. Owlfly

owlfly Weird Insects

Don’t let the name fool you—owlfly is not a hybrid creature between an owl and a fly. Instead, this insect belongs to the order Neuroptera and is known for its large, bulging eyes reminiscent of an owl’s. With its delicate wings, long antennae, and strong resemblance to a dragonfly, the owlfly is a captivating sight to behold. These insects are predatory and can often be seen swooping through the air, hunting for smaller insects. The owlfly’s unusual appearance and hunting techniques make it a true marvel of the insect world.

36. Orange ladybird

orange ladybird Weird Insects

When one thinks of ladybirds, the image of a red shell with black spots often comes to mind. However, the orange ladybird breaks this stereotype with its striking orange coloration. Found in certain regions of North America, this species possesses a unique and vibrant hue that sets it apart from its more commonly known counterparts. The bright orange exoskeleton acts as a warning to potential predators, signaling that the insect may be toxic or unpalatable. Nature’s clever ways of defense are truly awe-inspiring!

37. Spike-headed Katydid

spike headed katydid Weird Insects
Image source: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/wacky-weekend/article/bizarre-bugs

Katydid species are well-known for their ability to camouflage themselves with their surroundings, but the spike-headed katydid takes this to a whole new level. Native to Southeast Asia, this extraordinary insect boasts a flattened, leaf-like body adorned with an array of thorny projections on its head and legs. This remarkable adaptation helps the katydid blend seamlessly into foliage, making it nearly invisible to predators. It’s as if this insect has mastered the art of mimicry and become a living part of its environment.

38. Man-faced Stink Bugs

man faced stink bugs Weird Insects

Man-faced stink bugs, also known as helmet bugs, are found in Southeast Asia and are known for their distinctive appearance. The insects have a shield-shaped body with a protruding, helmet-like structure on their heads that resembles a human face. While they may look intimidating, they are actually quite harmless and feed on plant material.

39. Saddleback Caterpillar

saddleback caterpillar Weird Insects

The saddleback caterpillar is a species of caterpillar that is found in North America. It is named for the saddle-like marking on its back, which is a bright green color and is surrounded by a brownish-red border. The saddleback caterpillar is covered in venomous spines that can cause a painful reaction in humans and other animals that come into contact with them.

40. Silk Moth

silk moth Weird Insects

Silk moths, also known as saturniids, are a family of moths that are known for their large size and impressive appearance. They are found all over the world, but are most common in tropical regions. Silk moths are known for their silky cocoons, which are harvested to make silk thread. The giant silk moth, which is found in North America, is one of the largest and most striking species of silk moth, with a wingspan of up to 6 inches.

Final Thought

The world of insects is full of weird and wonderful creatures that never cease to amaze us. From giant beetles to colorful planthoppers, each species has its own unique characteristics that make them stand out in the animal kingdom. So next time you come across an insect, take a closer look – you never know what kind of weird and wonderful creature you might discover!