Titan Beetle (Titanus giganteus)

Deep in the Amazon forest, you will indeed find many large beetles. However, Titan beetles will catch your attention. The Titan beetle is the biggest insect in the beetle family3, with a body length of up to 6.5 inches.

The Titan is so big that they may be unable to take off from the ground. It will need to launch its wings from a tree to gain momentum. 

Interestingly, scientists have not observed the Titan beetle larvae. However, based on the sizes of boreholes in trees, their larvae are also quite long. Titans also have huge mandibles and strong jaws. These mandibles can rip into human flesh. When threatened, this beetle makes a hissing sound to defend itself. 

While the Titan beetle is the largest beetle, it is not the largest insect in the world.