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Largest Florida Bugs   arrow

If you’ve lived down in the Southeast for a while, you know we rule the U.S. when it comes to big bugs. Up north heavyweight contenders for biggest bugs in various states run a handful of inches. But down here in the swamplands? Oh no, we’ve got some REALLY big bugs here. Some of the native, some of them not. But today we’re going to talk about some of the largest Florida bugs, and whether or not you’ll need some pest control to help deal with them.

Largest Florida Bugs: Overview

To get this out of the way, just because a bug is large does not mean it’s a pest. However, that doesn’t mean that NO large bugs are pests. So our format today is going to be a listing of the bug, rough size ranges, and then a discussion on whether or not it is a potential home invader. Sound good? Let’s begin.

The Palmetto Bug

Of course, if you’re going to be talking about the largest Florida bugs you’re going to have to talk about this living legend. If you point out any large cockroach to someone who lives in Florida but isn’t from there, they’ll probably call it a palmetto bug no matter what. In fact, one of the best “native” tests I’ve found is whether or not every roach someone sees is a palmetto bug to them. But, anyway, the species most native Floridians probably mean is the American cockroach.

The term Palmetto bug is just a nickname for this large creepy crawly. And large they are, on top of being some of the best fliers among roaches with the largest wing-to-body ratio. These roaches live both inside and outside and are reddish-brown in appearance. These beasts range from about an inch in a half to just under two inches in length and have a yellow band that outlines the area behind their head- if their massive bodies weren’t enough for you to identify them.

Is the palmetto bug a pest insect?

While not nearly as prolific as something like the German Cockroach, the palmetto bug is a home invader. Things like trees, woodpiles, leaf piles, or debris that roaches like to nest in left too close to your home can easily lead them inside. And once there, just like any other cockroach infestation, these are very resilient and hard to remove pests. I’d recommend calling a specialist ASAP if you suspect you have an infestation.

Eastern Hercules Beetle

Now we get to the fun part, HUGE bugs that you’ve, unfortunately, probably never seen. Adults of both sexes of this species are over an inch wide as adults. And the males with their large, rhino-like beetle can be two and a half inches in length. The horns on their heads are actually used in battles with rival males when competing for mates and come with the added benefit of letting you know how much food was available during the beetle’s growing stages. You see, the more they eat, the longer their horns become as adults.

Color-wise, they’re usually a mix of green, gray, or tan with black mottling. The patterns of these spots vary between individuals. And while there are many species of a scarab beetle in Florida, this one certainly ranks among the largest, if not standing atop the mountain itself.

Are these beetles pests?

This member of our Largest Florida Bugs list is, thankfully, not at all a pest species. In fact, if you ever encounter them it’ll likely be in some potting medium in a plant or a compost pile. These insects don’t feed on turf roots like other scarabs. Instead, their young grow up on rotten, woody debris that litters the ground. And the adults may eat leaves from time to time. But even then, it’s not often, and certainly, no cause for alarm if you see a few of these on your property.

Carolina Wolf Spider

Despite its name, this spider can be found all across North America. In fact, its the largest member of the wolf spider family in the entire country.  The males of this species are quite large and robust, reaching about an inch-and-a-half in length. They are a light brown color, with dark brown patterns on their back.

The males are the larger of the sexes and orange in coloration. Females can be seen carrying the egg sacs on their back during incubation, which is another easy (but creepy) way to identify them. And unlike other species, this active hunter’s eyes reflect light at night, another good way to identify them. Of the largest Florida bugs, this one is almost certainly the fastest across open ground due to its active hunting lifestyle.

Is this big old spider an infester?

Thankfully, not really! These bugs are more solitary in nature, and while their bites can be nasty and hurt quite a bit, they’re not at all fatal. This isn’t a spider species that you need to be concerned about.

Largest Florida Bugs King? The Florida Keys Giant Centipede

Even Native Floridians probably haven’t seen the true king of this list. For the greatest overall body length, the title of biggest Florida bugs easily goes to this insect. Also known as the Haitian giant centipede, these insects tend to land between seven and ten inches of the total length as adults. This species is very rare though and only occurs far South in Florida. I’m talking Monroe, Miami-Dade as the farthest north that these can be found.

Like any other species of centipede, this pest has a nasty bite. So if you do happen to see one, leave it alone. Because if it’s not biting you, chances are it’s looking for something to bite. These guys are prolific pest controllers and spend their days gobbling up roaches and beetles as they make their way through the underbrush and rotting ground debris such as logs and piles of leaves and sticks.

Are these centipedes pests?

Like anything else on our list here of the largest Florida bugs, they can be startling at first sight. But these are a very rare insect, even in what’s left of their natural range. I highly doubt you’ll see an infestation any time soon.