The Superheroes of the Bug World by EcoFirst Pest Control
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a … bug? Yep, there are millions of species of insects on this earth but there are some that simply shine brighter than the rest – they are, The Superheroes of the Bug World!
- THE BIGGEST: Giant Camel Spider
In the world of superheroes, size and brute strength can go a very long way. The Incredible Hulk, for example, doesn’t have any magical super powers per se, but much like this Giant Camel Spider from the deserts of the Middle East, that can grow up to 14 inches long, super size matters.
- THE SCARIEST: Japanese Giant Hornet
Much like The Hulk, even if you don’t have any notable super powers, simply looking ferocious can go a long way. Fortunately, for the Japanese Giant Hornet, they’re not only enormous (5 times bigger than any honey bee) but they’re also fiercely venomous – so much that they account for approximately 70 deaths in Japan each year!
- THE STRONGEST: Horned Dung Beetle
It’s not the biggest insect on the list but the Horned Dung Beetle certainly has super powers – the gift of sheer strength. In fact, these insects are so strong that they can heave weights in excess of 1,100 times their own body weight! Considering that is the equivalent of a 150lb person lifting 12 adult elephants, this feat makes them the strongest insect in the world. - THE PRETTIEST: Butterflies
Enough with the brutish characteristics of superheroes; in some cases its all about the beauty (aka Storm). That said, although there are over 100,000 species of butterflies in known existence, we’re going to dub the entire species as the most beautiful of all insects. Just check out this video highlighting a few of the vivacious varieties – we think you’ll agree! - THE MOST VERSATILE: Giant Waterbugs
Because many superheroes tend to be One-Trick-Ponies with known limitations and an obvious Achilles’ heel, there is something to be said for versatility. Making the list as a Jack-of-All-Trades is the Waterbug. While the name would suggest that it’s restricted to water only and destine to be the next Aquaman, this is an insect that can fly, run and not only swim, but also skate across the surface of the water.Here’s an even better video but, unfortunately, embedding was disabled: http://youtu.be/gBnsUyfkaKY
- THE MOST CUNNING: Portia Labiata Jumping Spider
When combative and cosmetic powers elude, some superheroes have relied on the power of the mind – cue the Portia Labiata Jumping Spider. Widely considered to be the smartest insect on the planet (because of its cognizant problem-solving abilities), this unique spider plucks various rhythms at the edge of its web to mimic a trapped and struggling bug – different rhythms for different bugs. Of course, this attracts other scavenger bugs and an opportunistic meal for the patient Portia Labiata Jumping Spider that uses its brains as its advantage. - THE MOST Poisonous: Brazilian Wandering Spider
Just as the smart superheroes use brains to compensate for their lack of size and strength, some smaller insects enlist the power of poison to take down prey that might otherwise be too hard to handle. That said, the Brazilian Wandering Spider is a trigger-happy nomad that is known for its lethal neurotoxin venom that is more than twice as potent as the infamous Black Widow, making it the most poisonous spider on earth.NOTE: The Brazilian Wandering Spider section starts at 1:50.
- THE INVISIBLE: Orchid Mantis
Although these creatures could be considered dually cunning and beautiful, the Orchid Mantis uses the additional power of deception to both survive and hunt. Much like a chameleon or the superhero Mimic, this unique mantis looks like the plants in which it lives and can assume the coloring of its environment; thus, appearing invisible to the unsuspecting creatures on which it feeds. - THE FASTEST: Cockroach & Dragonfly
Joining the ranks of The Flash, the fastest superhero in the known universe, we have two speedsters that are worth noting – one on land and one in the air. For starters, the cockroach is the fastest insect on land, as it can run roughly 3.4 mph and cover about 50 body lengths per second (the equivalent of a human running 210 mph). Meanwhile, the Dragonfly can reach upwards of nearly 60 miles per hour in the air!
- THE MOST UNASSUMING: Bullet Ant
Last on our list is an insect that may look more innocent than he really is – a superhero that you’re likely to underestimate – that is, until it’s too late. While the bullet ant looks like an overgrown but rather unassuming carpenter ant, he gets his name because his bite feels like being shot by a bullet. In the end, it won’t kill you but it will certainly make you remember … The Bullet Ant (said in an intense superhero-esc whisper).
