You won't believe this giant insect found in Australia—it's as big as a puppy!
- Replies 4
Australia is a land of natural wonders and unique wildlife.
It's not uncommon for Aussies to encounter creatures that leave them in awe—or sometimes, in a state of shock.
However, even by Australian standards, the sight that greeted this Brisbane resident was something out of the ordinary.
Jack Riddle was fresh out of the shower when he heard his dog Harlow ‘barking like crazy’ in the garden.
Concerned about what might have stirred such a reaction from his pug, he rushed outside, only to be met with a sight that left him exclaiming in disbelief.
There, perched on his garden shed, was an insect so large that it almost rivalled his dog in size.
After sharing this incident online, the internet was abuzz with reactions as viewers were equally astonished, with comments ranging from shock to fascination.
'Your reaction is totally valid, what is that?' one person echoed Jack's sentiment.
Another added, 'When its wings came out I was getting Jurassic Park vibes,' referencing the creature's prehistoric appearance.
However, fear not, fellow Aussies and insect enthusiasts, for this gargantuan guest is none other than the goliath stick insect, scientifically known as Eurycnema goliath.
Dr Thomas White, an entomologist, reassured the public that Jack and Harlow had stumbled upon a 'beautiful' example of this species, which is endemic to Australia and typically resides along the east coast.
These gentle giants are masters of disguise, often camouflaging themselves high up in eucalyptus trees, which makes sightings like Jack's quite rare.
'They're all around us,' Dr White remarked.
‘This one may have just gotten lost.’
Despite their intimidating size and the dramatic display of their wings, goliath stick insects are herbivores, and pose no threat to humans.
'They will unfurl their wings if they get a little bit scared, but that is purely just to say “Leave me alone,”' Dr White explained.
He also encouraged anyone lucky enough to encounter one in the wild to 'enjoy' the experience and, if possible, to gently guide the insect back to its natural habitat—a eucalyptus tree.
Interestingly, while male goliath stick insects are similar in colour to their female counterparts, they are notably smaller.
Females can grow to over 200 mm in size, making them not only a spectacle in the wild but also popular as pets.
According to Dr White, these insects are 'common' and 'easy' to care for, saying, 'You can buy a baby from a reputable seller, and they live about 12-18 months.'
‘They're easy to take care of and do their own thing, but have no problem being handled as long as you are slow.’
As we marvel at this unexpected encounter, it's a timely reminder of the diverse and sometimes unusual creatures that inhabit our surroundings.
While this tiny canine's reaction to an oversized insect sparked amusement and curiosity, it also highlighted the fascinating array of wildlife coexisting with us.
Amidst the intrigue surrounding unusual sightings, it's worth delving deeper into the world of other harmless ‘creepy crawlies’, shedding light on their fascinating attributes, and dispelling common misconceptions.
Have you ever come across an unusual insect or animal in your garden or during your travels? We'd love to hear about your stories in the comments below!
It's not uncommon for Aussies to encounter creatures that leave them in awe—or sometimes, in a state of shock.
However, even by Australian standards, the sight that greeted this Brisbane resident was something out of the ordinary.
Jack Riddle was fresh out of the shower when he heard his dog Harlow ‘barking like crazy’ in the garden.
Concerned about what might have stirred such a reaction from his pug, he rushed outside, only to be met with a sight that left him exclaiming in disbelief.
There, perched on his garden shed, was an insect so large that it almost rivalled his dog in size.
Jack Riddle discovered a goliath stick insect, measuring almost the same size of a small dog, in his garden. Credits: Tiktok / Jack Riddle
After sharing this incident online, the internet was abuzz with reactions as viewers were equally astonished, with comments ranging from shock to fascination.
'Your reaction is totally valid, what is that?' one person echoed Jack's sentiment.
Another added, 'When its wings came out I was getting Jurassic Park vibes,' referencing the creature's prehistoric appearance.
However, fear not, fellow Aussies and insect enthusiasts, for this gargantuan guest is none other than the goliath stick insect, scientifically known as Eurycnema goliath.
Dr Thomas White, an entomologist, reassured the public that Jack and Harlow had stumbled upon a 'beautiful' example of this species, which is endemic to Australia and typically resides along the east coast.
These gentle giants are masters of disguise, often camouflaging themselves high up in eucalyptus trees, which makes sightings like Jack's quite rare.
'They're all around us,' Dr White remarked.
‘This one may have just gotten lost.’
Despite their intimidating size and the dramatic display of their wings, goliath stick insects are herbivores, and pose no threat to humans.
'They will unfurl their wings if they get a little bit scared, but that is purely just to say “Leave me alone,”' Dr White explained.
He also encouraged anyone lucky enough to encounter one in the wild to 'enjoy' the experience and, if possible, to gently guide the insect back to its natural habitat—a eucalyptus tree.
Interestingly, while male goliath stick insects are similar in colour to their female counterparts, they are notably smaller.
Females can grow to over 200 mm in size, making them not only a spectacle in the wild but also popular as pets.
According to Dr White, these insects are 'common' and 'easy' to care for, saying, 'You can buy a baby from a reputable seller, and they live about 12-18 months.'
‘They're easy to take care of and do their own thing, but have no problem being handled as long as you are slow.’
As we marvel at this unexpected encounter, it's a timely reminder of the diverse and sometimes unusual creatures that inhabit our surroundings.
While this tiny canine's reaction to an oversized insect sparked amusement and curiosity, it also highlighted the fascinating array of wildlife coexisting with us.
Amidst the intrigue surrounding unusual sightings, it's worth delving deeper into the world of other harmless ‘creepy crawlies’, shedding light on their fascinating attributes, and dispelling common misconceptions.
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
