At 22.3 Inches, Insect Is World's Longest

Just-discovered Phobaeticus chani roams the Borneo jungle, looking twiggy
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 17, 2008 12:00 PM CDT
At 22.3 Inches, Insect Is World's Longest
A giant stick insect named Phobaeticus chani, meaning "Chan's megastick" is seen. Britain's Natural History Museum says a Malaysian amateur naturalist has discovered the world's longest insect.   (AP Photo)

A stick insect called Phobaeticus chani has claimed the distinction of world's longest insect, beating out its nearest competitor by an inch, the Independent reports. Named after the amateur naturalist who brought it to scientists' attention, the bug measures 22.3 inches with its legs outstretched. A treetop rainforest dweller, its tiny winged eggs glide from branch to branch. (More insects stories.)

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