Heaviest Insects in the World 2026

/ Animals & Wildlife, Global Stats / By

Insects are often thought of as tiny, lightweight creatures, but some species challenge this perception by reaching remarkable sizes and weights. The heaviest insects in the world are fascinating examples of how diverse and adaptable insect life can be. Found across different continents and habitats, these insects play important ecological roles while also capturing global curiosity due to their sheer mass. Understanding which insects are the heaviest helps highlight biodiversity, evolutionary adaptation, and the extremes of life on Earth. This article ranks the heaviest insects in the world based on verified maximum weight data, offering a clear and comparative global perspective.

Insect weight is influenced by factors such as body structure, life stage, diet, and habitat. Unlike mammals or birds, insects have exoskeletons, which limit size but allow for unique shapes and dense body mass. Measurements of insect weight are usually taken from fully grown adults under optimal conditions, often representing the upper end of what a species can reach. Across tropical forests, islands, and wetlands, some insects have evolved to become exceptionally heavy, either for defense, reproduction, or survival advantages. These species are often found in regions with abundant food and stable climates, which support larger body development.

Top 10 Heaviest Insects in the World 2026

  1. Goliath beetle: 80 g
  2. Giant weta: 70 g
  3. Elephant beetle: 50 g
  4. Titan beetle: 35 g
  5. Hercules beetle: 30 g
  6. Atlas moth: 25 g
  7. African bush cricket: 24 g
  8. Giant longhorn beetle: 22 g
  9. Death’s head hawkmoth: 20 g
  10. Giant stick insect: 16 g

The top of the ranking is dominated by beetles, which are known for their thick exoskeletons and solid body structure. The Goliath beetle stands clearly above all others, reaching an impressive maximum weight of 80 grams, making it the heaviest insect recorded. Close behind is the Giant weta, a massive cricket-like insect from island ecosystems, showing that beetles are not the only insects capable of extreme weight. The middle of the list features a mix of beetles and moths, reflecting different evolutionary paths to large body mass. Even the lighter entries in the top 10 remain exceptionally heavy compared to the vast majority of insect species worldwide.

Full Data Table

# Species Maximum weight (g)
1 Goliath beetle 80
2 Giant weta 70
3 Elephant beetle 50
4 Titan beetle 35
5 Hercules beetle 30
6 Atlas moth 25
7 African bush cricket 24
8 Giant longhorn beetle 22
9 Death’s head hawkmoth 20
10 Giant stick insect 16
11 Giant rhinoceros beetle 14
12 Giant grasshopper 12
13 Giant praying mantis 10
14 Giant katydid 9
15 Giant silk moth 8
16 Giant scarab beetle 7
17 Giant dobsonfly 6
18 Giant mole cricket 5
19 Giant water bug 4
20 Giant cicada 3

Key Points

  • Beetles dominate the ranking, highlighting their ability to support greater body mass through rigid exoskeletons.
  • The Goliath beetle outweighs the tenth-ranked insect by five times, showing a large gap within the top 10.
  • Island species like the Giant weta often evolve larger sizes due to reduced predators and competition.
  • Flying insects such as moths appear lower in the ranking, as flight limits maximum body weight.
  • The weight difference between ranks becomes smaller toward the lower half of the list.
  • Tropical regions provide the conditions needed for insects to reach extreme sizes and weights.
  • High body mass in insects is often linked to mating advantages or physical defense mechanisms.

The heaviest insects in the world demonstrate how diverse and surprising insect life can be. From massive beetles to oversized crickets and moths, these species push the boundaries of what is commonly associated with insects. Their impressive weight reflects millions of years of adaptation to specific environments and ecological roles. As habitats continue to change due to climate and human activity, the future of these giant insects depends on conservation and ecological balance. Studying and comparing the world’s heaviest insects not only satisfies curiosity but also deepens understanding of biodiversity and the natural limits of life on our planet.

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