Do you want to know something I just learned about? You can find one of the biggest insects in the world here in Minnesota. That's just so great! (Note the sarcasm.)

Thankfully they are harmless to us humans so we have nothing to worry about there. They're also not nearly as massive as some of the other largest insects around the world.

⬇️ Keep scrolling for the 20 biggest insects in the world. They're insane! ⬇️

You may have seen a relative to these guys before but maybe not the specific one I'm about to tell you about.

ALSO READ: When to Expect Thousands of Hummingbirds to Return to Minnesota

The Largest Insect in Minnesota

One of the largest insects in the world that you can find in Minnesota is the Chinese praying mantis. iNaturalist writes that it's the largest praying mantis in North America.

a chinese praying mantis
Ben Eubank, Unsplash
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The Chinese praying mantis is native to Asian countries but is an invasive species here in the US.

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They actually were introduced to the US by accident way back in 1896 in Mt. Airy, Pennsylvania, according to the Brandywine Conservancy. But now they're in many states across the US and they can be a big problem for the praying mantises that are actually native.

In Minnesota, it's uncommon to see them according to Minnesota Seasons. However, if you were to find one, you're more likely to do so "in the southern third of Minnesota".

I'm sure you'll notice if you come across one, though, since they're a few inches longer than other mantises!

a chinese praying mantis and a shocked emoji
Canva
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Below, you can take a peek at the other largest insects around the world. Trust me, you'll be glad that we only have this Chinese praying mantis to worry about.

LOOK: 20 of the biggest insects in the world

Stacker compiled a list of 20 of the biggest insects in the world using a variety of news, scientific, and other sources.

Gallery Credit: Andrea Vale

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