What is the longest living insect in the world?

With legs outstretched, its length is 20 inches. The Longest-lived Insect: The queen of termites, known to live for 50 years. Some scientists believe that they live for 100 years. The Oldest Fossil Butterfly or Moth: A Lepidoptera fossil found in England is estimated to be 190 million years old. read more

Specimens of the black coral genus Leiopathes, such as Leiopathes glaberrima, are among the oldest continuously living organisms on the planet: around 4,265 years old. The giant barrel sponge Xestospongia muta is one of the longest-lived animals, with the largest specimens in the Caribbean estimated to be in excess of 2,300 years old. read more

However, the white witch, Thysania agrippina, has the longest recorded wingspan of the order, and indeed of any living insect, at up to 30 cm (12 in), though it is exceeded in surface area and mass by both Ornithoptera and Attacus. read more

These insects are large enough to give even seasoned entomologists a good fright. Here's our list of 10 of the largest insects alive today. read more