Did you know that there are over 200,000 types of insects living in Australia? Although, some Australian bugs are more strange than others.
Are you curious about gross bugs in Australia and need to know which ones to look for? Are you worried or intrigued by Australian pests?
The following guide will explore the top 10 weird bugs in Australia. Read on and discover what makes these crawlers so creepy.
1. Bulldog Ants
Australian bulldog ants attack without being provoked. They use their spiky, nasty mouths to inflict vicious stings on their targets.
They often hunt bees in nature and even attack carpenter ants. But they’re also not afraid to defend themselves against much larger insects and humans.
2. Giant Termites
Giant termites are the most destructive type of termites found in Australia. They attack any wood that touches the ground, including trees and shrubs.
A giant termite typically makes subterranean nests at tree bases. Their colonies spread quickly, so identifying termites early is very important.
3. Burrowing Cockroaches
Burrowing cockroaches often hide in sugar bowls and cabinets in Australia. They can grow up to the size of a human hand.
The massive cockroaches typically feed on decaying eucalyptus leaves. Although, they also feed on vegetables such as spinach and carrots.
4. Goliath Stick Insects
A Praying Mantis is a common stick insect you’ve probably seen in your yard or garden. They often blend in with plant stems and tall grass blades.
Australia’s Goliath Stick Insect has a much more difficult time blending into its surroundings. They’re very imposing and grow up to 50cm in length.
5. Hercules Moths
Hercules moths have a wingspan of about 30 centimeters. They’re mainly found in northern Australia.
It’s Australia’s largest and perhaps most terrifying type of moth. However, some look past its frightening size and enjoy the moth’s radiant colors.
6. Redback Spiders
Australian snakes are always looking out for the deadly redback spider. Although snakes aren’t the spider’s food source, they use their deadly poison to defend themselves.
Australians sometimes find redback spiders lurking in their backyards and lawn furniture.
7. Loboscelidia Wasps
These wasps hover in the air before they launch their oversized horn at their targets. They’re much bolder than a bee and they aren’t afraid to attack humans.
8. Sydney Funnel Webs
The Sydney Funnel Web is the most deadly spider found in Australia. It prefers to weave its web in neighborhoods rather than the wild, so beware!
9. Spiny Leaf Insects
Spiny leaf insects might look disgusting but they’re harmless. Some brave souls even decide to keep these little monsters as pets.
10. Giant Centipede
Giant Centipedes often grow to 16 cm in length with up to 23 pairs of legs. They’re nocturnal creatures and hunt their prey at night.
The Giant Centipede is venomous but no humans have ever died from their attacks. They’re found all over Australia except for Tasmania.
Identifying Creepy Bugs in Australia
Now you know which bugs in Australia might harm you and which are just plain gross. Deadly or not, any of the bugs on this list are capable of causing quite a scare!
Check out our travel category for more fascinating information from around the globe.
