Giant Water Bugs (Lethocerus americanus)

The Giant water bug comes next on our list of one of the largest insects in the world. Known as toe-biters or alligator ticks, the giant water bug is a formidable predator in ponds and streams. 

These water bugs deliver a painful bite using their giant pincers and inject venomous saliva into their prey. They thrive near slow-moving water and feed on tadpoles and small fish. 

The largest species of the giant water bug can grow up to 4.5 inches. The biggest water bugs belong to the genus Lethocerus, with species Lethocerus grandis and Lethocerus maximus striving for the title of the biggest bug in the world.  

In South and Southeast Asia, people eat these giant bugs and consider them a wonderful delicacy.