We’re no strangers to weird and creepy insects, but thankfully, we won’t run into any of these bugs in our home. Keep reading to learn about some of the weirdest and most terrifying bugs on the planet.
Botfly
Where do they live? Mostly in South America and Mexico
What are they? The botfly lays its eggs in mosquitoes or other flies. When these bugs land on mammals — such as cows, sheep, and yes, humans — the eggs are injected into the skin. The warmth from mammals’ blood incubates the eggs, and when they hatch, they eat their way out.
Just thinking about it is enough to make your skin crawl.
Assassin Bug
Where do they live? There are over 7,000 different species of this bug. They typically reside in tropical climates but have been migrating north due to climate change.
What are they? Assassin bugs are known for their weird and creepy methods of killing their prey. These insects have long, beak-like noses they use to stab and inject their prey with an enzyme that liquefies their insides. Once this process takes place, the assassin bug will suck the inside of its prey out through the stinger.
The nightmare doesn’t stop there: One species, A. petax, will secrete a sticky substance that allows it to glue the bodies of its victims together and wear it as a kind of shield.
Goliath Birdeater
Where do they live? This bug is native only to South America.
What are they? The second-largest tarantula in the world (yikes), this massive spider was named for its taste for small birds, such as hummingbirds.
Amazonian Giant Centipede
Where do they live? Typically found in the tropical and subtropical rainforests of South America.
What are they? Anyone who’s creeped out by a normal centipede should probably stop reading now. The Amazonian Giant Centipede can grow up to a foot long and looks like a thing of nightmares. These insects feed on small animals such as rodents, lizards, and birds. The venom of an Amazonian Giant Centipede isn’t strong enough to kill a human, but is still very painful.