“Hello, Granny!” The 7 Oldest Insects in Existence

All species in the world evolve over time. No one and nothing is an exception—everyone and everything will age, be that gracefully or not. Apparently, there are fascinating creatures that have managed to keep their species alive after millions of years!

You may think they are insects who survived from the wrath of pest control services, but they’ve actually been around even before your ancestors were born! Here are 7 of the oldest insects still in our midst, though some of them have changed appearances and traits because of adaptation and evolution.

MITES

Tetranychus urticae

These pesky little critters’ lineage could actually be traced from 570 million years ago! Mites are categorized as arthropods, which is a group that is distantly related to insects. While insects are segmented—meaning they have a separate head, thorax and abdomen—mites have just one continuous body and have eight legs versus an insect’s six.

SPIDERS

spider_final

Like mites, spiders are not actually insects but arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida with as many as 35,000 species worldwide. Experts believe their ancestors used to be water-dwellers who lived as far back as 500 million years ago.

MILLIPEDE

Millipede_FINAL

We often see a lot of them on pavements, especially when it’s raining and the ground is wet. And of course, who isn’t familiar with the defensive stench they give off when stepped on? But not a lot of people know that millipedes have been around for almost 400 million years. Like spiders and other myriapods, millipedes are believed to have come from marine-dwelling ancestors.

SILVERFISH

SILVERFISH_FINAL

A silverfish looks like a cross between a mudfish and a lobster, only that it’s silver, tiny, and an insect. Entomologists have found out in recent studies that silverfish might have roamed the Earth together with dinosaurs. Their ancestors lived some 420 million years ago, but present-day silverfish date back to 250 million years ago.

 

DRAGONFLY

dragonfly_FINAL

Your childhood would definitely be incomplete without spending the whole afternoon catching colorful dragonflies in your garden or a nearby grassy lot. But did you know dragonflies have existed for 406 million years? Experts say dragonflies living during that time had visible antennae, which we do not sees with the dragonflies of  today. Their ancestors are among the first creatures on Earth to fly, which gives them a rather undefeatable feat.

 

LICE

 Pediculus humanus capitis

Who would have thought that these annoying parasites have been living for 120 million years now? A louse’s diet is composed of dead skin, blood and other body debris, all depending on the species. In order to survive, lice need to cling on to their hosts’ feather and fur, a mechanism their ancestors must have done to ancient feathered dinosaurs as well.

GRASSHOPPERS

 GRASSHOPPER_FINAL

Grasshoppers and crickets have common ancestors that existed 240 million years ago. They thrived in lush greenery and grasslands that were yet to be spoiled by the human race. So the next time you catch a grasshopper at your yard or listen to the song of a cricket, remember that they have been through a lot more than you’ll ever do.

 

 

These are just some of the oldest insects that we have in the world right now. No matter how pesky or terrifying they might be, it is still amazing how they adapted to the world. They may be small, but they’re a big part of the Earth’s history and ecosystem.

4 Prehistoric Bugs Sure to turn Your Sanity into History

Before humans roamed the earth, there have already been creatures walking the land, swimming the sea, and soaring the air. Even before the dinosaurs came, bugs already crawled on land. And you’re wrong if you think that the bugs of old were the little guys of the earth’s population. If anything, they were the monsters of their time!

Bugs—monsters? “Nothing’s changed,” you think. “They’re still monsters until now. That’s why we always call pest control!” But that’s where you’re wrong. There’s a big difference between the bugs of then and now. See, if prehistoric bugs still live among us today, they’d be the kings of the world and we’d be the pests—endangered pests. If you still don’t get it, then read on.

Arthropleura

Arthropleura

Or enormous centipede. Just when you thought that your usual shower buddy possessed all the creepiness in the world, its prehistoric version comes and adds a tinge of darkness to your nightmares. Up to more than 8 feet long and almost a couple of feet wide, this was no centipede; it was a crocodile! It had thirty segments, each with its own pair of legs. Meaning? The beast was fast. It chomped on its prey even before the poor thing understood that it was dead—although that was because the enormous centipede fed on plants. Phew! Relief!

Meganeuropsis permiana

meganeura

To translate to terms you can understand: giant dragonfly. Another variation: dragonfly. If you enjoy catching its modern descendants in jars, then you’re going to love catching giant dragonflies. It’s a totally new experience! See, they grow up to 17 inches, while their wingspans up to 30 inches. You would have had to use buckets to catch them. And that’s not all. The largest flying insects that ever lived were vicious predators. Sure it was of tadpoles and other small fry, but if they lived until now, you would still be frightened to open your windows and leave your homes, especially for your teeny pets.

Gigantis wormis

Gigantis wormis

Though scientists have found no evidence of this creature’s existence beyond the large burrows underneath the earth, we have given the giant sand worm its own scientific name. Imagine a worm 3 feet long and 6 inches wide—you’d think it’s a snake! With that size, the giant sand worm wouldn’t have had to keep themselves underground! It was a beast among the others, especially as the dinosaurs were not yet alive back then; it didn’t have to worry about being crushed. But, then again, it is still a worm, no matter how huge. They do love the damp, dark world beneath.

Cockroaches

cockroach

Ah, our favorite little friend. Cockroaches are believed to have come into existence some 350 million years ago. While the dinosaurs? Well, let’s say they were 150 million years late. Wait, that’s not the punch line yet. What’s funny is that the dinosaurs were the first ones to leave the earth, which only means that the little critters are more formidable than the mighty giants that owned the earth for so long. And back then, roaches only grew up to 3.5 inches long. I know what you’re thinking: “Cockroaches stayed underground, that’s why.” But no. Even back then, they knew how to fly, so your argument is invalid. Now bow down to the true kings of the world. They might just share their secret for survival.

Imagine if the bugs of prehistory still live now. Imagine without cringing, I dare you. Imagine while you run to the only place in the messed-up world where you’ll be safe: inside the fridge. May the odds be ever in your favor…