The World's Largest Insect Was a Fossilized Dragonfly - Apparently.
The largest insect to have ever existed is a fossilized dragonfly species called Meganeura monyi, which lived during the Paleozoic Era, around 300 million years ago. This behemoth of a bug had a wingspan of up to 2.5 feet (76 cm) and was likely as long as a human hand. Fossil remains of this gargantuan dragonfly have been found in what is now Argentina and Uruguay, providing a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world of insects.