Examples of insects with long legs include the American ruby spot, Annam walking stick, atlas beetle, blue dasher, and blue-fronted dancer.
Insects with long legs can be both fascinating and creepy. Some of these insects are capable of jumping long distances, while others use their legs to walk on the water’s surface. What makes these creatures even more interesting is their often odd-looking appearance.
If you’re interested in learning more about insects with long legs, keep reading. We’ll explore some of the most notable species along with their unique characteristics.
Examples of Insects with Long Legs
1. American Rubyspot
| Scientific Name | Hetaerina americana |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Musselshell Rivers, as well as the lower Bighorn, Tongue, and Power Rivers |
The American Rubyspot is a type of dragonfly that is found in North America. This insect gets its name from the ruby-red color of its abdomen. The American Rubyspot is one of the largest fireflies, with a length of up to 2.5 cm.
This insect has long legs that help it to jump before taking off. It also has large eyes that help it to see in the dark. The American Rubyspot is a nocturnal creature, which means that it is most active at night.
Related Article: 33 Insects with Antennae
2. Annam Walking Stick
| Scientific Name | Medauroidea extradentata |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Vietnam |
The Annam walking stick is a species of insect that is found in the tropical forests of Vietnam. It gets its name from its extremely long legs, which can reach up to 35 centimeters in length. The Annam walking stick is also notable for its brown and white striped pattern, which helps it blend in with its surroundings.
In addition to its long legs, the Annam walking stick also has a long body that can reach up to 15 centimeters in length. It is a slow-moving creature that feeds on leaves and other plant matter.
Related Article: 14 Insects with Lots of Legs
3. Atlas Beetle
| Scientific Name | Chalcosoma atlas |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | southern Asia, particularly Malaysia |
The Atlas beetle is a member of the scarab beetle family. These beetles are found in Africa and measure between 2.5 and 3.8 centimeters in length. They are black with small, white spots on their wings.
The atlas beetles have horns that are nearly as long as their bodies. The males use their horns to battle other males for the chance to mate with a female.
Related Article: 25 Insects with Complete Metamorphosis
4. Blue Dasher
| Scientific Name | Pachydiplax longipennis |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | the still waters of ponds, ditches, marshes, and occasionally, very slow-moving streams |
The Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) is a dragonfly with striking blue and black colors. It’s one of the largest dragonflies in North America, with a wingspan that can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm).
What sets the Blue Dasher apart from other dragonflies is its habit of perching on the ground or low vegetation instead of in trees like most other species. It’s also one of the fastest flying insects, capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h).
Related Article: 30 Insects that Are Decomposers
5. Blue-Fronted Dancer
| Scientific Name | Argia apicalis |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | near large and small rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, but is most common in the vicinity of large, muddy rivers |
The Blue-Fronted Dancer is a type of long-legged fly found in North America. These brightly colored insects are often seen near rivers and streams. They get their name from their blue front legs, which they use to attract mates.
The male Blue-fronted Dancer will perform a dance to impress the female. This involves flying in a figure-eight pattern while waving its legs in the air. If the female is impressed, she will mate with the male.
Mating isn’t the only time you’ll see these creatures waving their legs around. Blue-Fronted Dancers are also known to wave their legs when they’re threatened or disturbed. This behavior is thought to help startle predators and give the insect time to escape.
Related Article: 19 Insects with Six Legs
6. Common Blue Damselfly
| Scientific Name | Enallagma cyathigerum |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | between latitudes 40°N and 72°N |
As its name suggests, the common blue damselfly is a brightly-colored insect found in many parts of the world. It’s characterized by its long, thin legs and iridescent blue body. This species is often found near water sources, where it lays its eggs.
Related Article: 9 Insects that Walk on Water
7. Common Walking Stick
| Scientific Name | Diapheromera femorata |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | North America |
The common walking stick is a type of insect that is found in wooded areas throughout the world. These insects are known for their extremely long legs, which can be up to twice the length of their body.
Walking sticks use their legs to help them walk on the ground and climb trees. They are also excellent camouflage artists and can often be mistaken for sticks or leaves.
8. Crane Fly
| Scientific Name | Tipulidae |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Most often they occur in moist woods and fields, and near streams and ponds |
One of the most common insects with long legs is the crane fly. These creatures get their name from their resemblance to cranes, which are large birds that often have very long necks. Crane flies typically have thin, delicate-looking legs that can be twice as long as their bodies. While they may look fragile, crane flies are actually quite hardy creatures.
They’re common in both wet and dry areas, and can even be found near the ocean. Crane flies are also active at different times of day, depending on the species. Some are most active at night, while others are more active during the day.
9. Daddy Long Legs
| Scientific Name | Pholcidae |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | throughout Australia |
These creatures are also known as harvestmen and are found in temperate regions around the world. Daddy long legs are unique in that they have two body segments (the cephalothorax and abdomen) that are connected by a small stalk. They also have very long legs in comparison to their body size.
They have two large eyes on the front of their head that gives them excellent vision. Additionally, they have several smaller eyes along the sides of their head that help them perceive movement.
10. Double-Striped Bluet
| Scientific Name | Enallagma basidens |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | permanent or semi-permanent lakes, ponds, reservoirs, borrow pits, slow parts of streams or rivers, or spring-fed streams |
This species of the damselfly is found in Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by its blue and black striped body and long legs. The Double-striped bluet is a skilled jumper and can cover up to 20 times its body length in a single jump.
11. Eastern Forktail
| Scientific Name | Ischnura verticalis |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | from the Great Plains east across southern Canada to the Atlantic, except for the Deep South |
The Eastern forktail is a type of dragonfly that is commonly found in eastern North America. It gets its name from its forked tail, which is used to help it maneuver while flying. The Eastern forktail is also known for its long legs, which can reach up to 2.5 times the length of its body.
12. Emperor Dragonfly
| Scientific Name | Anax imperator |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Central and Southern England and South Wales |
The emperor dragonfly is one of the largest insects in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 7 inches. This impressive creature is found in many parts of Asia and Africa. Emperor dragonflies are predators, preying on smaller insects such as mosquitos.
Related Article: Blue Dragonfly Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
13. Giant Walking Stick
| Scientific Name | Megaphasma denticrus |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | forested areas of the south-central United States |
The giant walking stick is a type of stick insect that can be found in tropical regions around the world. These insects are well-known for their extremely long legs, which can measure up to 35 cm in length. They use these legs to help them walk long distances and to avoid being eaten by predators.
14. Grasshopper
| Scientific Name | Caelifera |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | nearly all terrestrial habitats, including deserts, tropical forests, grasslands, savannahs, and mountains |
One of the most recognizable insects with long legs is the grasshopper. These creatures are known for their ability to jump high and far. They also have wings, which allow them to glide through the air.
While they are often considered pests, grasshoppers can be found in a variety of colors and patterns. Some species are even brightly colored.
15. Great Blue Skimmer
| Scientific Name | Libellula vibrans |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | near lakes, ponds, and slow streams in the eastern United States and rarely in southern Ontario |
The great blue skimmer is a type of dragonfly with bright blue wings and long, slender legs. This creature is found near ponds and streams in the eastern United States. It feeds on small insects that it catches in mid-air.
16. House Centipede
| Scientific Name | Scutigera coleoptrata |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | in areas of high moisture, such as in rotting logs, under stones, in trash, or piles of leaves/grass |
The House Centipede is a common species of long-legged insect. These creatures are typically dark brown or black in color and have 15 pairs of legs. They’re also known for their ability to move quickly, which helps them escape predators.
House centipedes are found throughout the world and prefer to live in damp environments such as basements or bathrooms. These insects are carnivorous and feed on small prey such as spiders, ants, and silverfish.
17. Long-Legged Flies
| Scientific Name | Dolichopodidae |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | in a wide range of habitats, preferably in wet areas such as near water margins and in meadows, woodlands, orchards, vineyards, and gardens |
As their name suggests, long-legged flies have extremely long legs in proportion to their bodies. They’re also known as daddy longlegs or crane flies. While they may look menacing, these insects are actually quite harmless.
The majority of long-legged fly species measure between 1 and 2 inches in length. Their bodies are slender and elongated with a small head. They have two large compound eyes that are separated by a narrow space. The eyes are usually dark in color, but some species may have brightly colored eyes.
18. Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
| Scientific Name | Dryococelus australis |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | endemic to the Lord Howe Island Group, a cluster of volcanic islands in a crescent shape in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand |
The Lord Howe Island stick insect is one of the largest insects in the world. Adults can reach lengths of up to 12 centimeters (4.7 inches). These insects are dark brown or black and have very long legs. They’re also known for their slow movements.
The Lord Howe Island stick insect is found only on Lord Howe Island, which is located off the coast of Australia. These insects were thought to be extinct until a few were found in 2001. Since then, efforts have been made to breed and protect this species.
19. Mayfly
| Scientific Name | Ephemeroptera |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | throughout North America and worldwide |
Mayflies are one of the most common insects with long legs. They’re often found near water sources, as their larvae need to live in water to survive. Mayflies typically have two pairs of wings, though some species only have one pair.
Adult mayflies only live for a few hours to a couple of days. During this time, they don’t eat, instead of focusing on reproducing.
Mayflies are an important food source for many animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.
20. Mosquito
| Scientific Name | Culicidae |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Some mosquitoes like living near people, while others prefer forests, marshes, or tall grasses |
The mosquito has the longest legs in proportion to the body size of any insect. The female mosquito is especially well-equipped for feeding on blood, as her long legs allow her to reach deep into a mammal’s fur. Male mosquitoes do not bite mammals and instead feed on plant nectar.
While the mosquito’s long legs are one of its most defining features, it’s certainly not the only one. This insect is also notable for its wings, which are covered in fine scales.
21. Praying Mantis
| Scientific Name | Mantodea |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | generally located in the warmer regions, particularly tropical and subtropical latitudes |
The praying mantis is a type of insect that’s best known for its long legs and large eyes. These predators are capable of camouflage and can be found in a variety of colors, including green, brown, and white. Praying mantises are often considered to be beneficial insects because they help control the population of harmful pests.
22. Shadow Darner Dragonfly
| Scientific Name | Aeshna umbrosa |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | almost all of Canada and most states in the United States |
The Shadow Darner Dragonfly is a large insect with a wingspan of up to 7 inches. Its long legs are black and it has a dark-colored body. This creature is found in North America, where it typically inhabits wooded areas near ponds and streams.
The Shadow Darner Dragonfly is an excellent jumper and can cover great distances in a single leap. It is also a strong flier and can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
23. Skeeter Eaters
| Scientific Name | Pholcidae |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | Worldwide |
While most insects use their long legs for walking or jumping, the Skeeter Eater has a different purpose. This insect actually uses its long legs to trap and eat mosquitoes. The Skeeter Eater is found in the southern United States and typically measures about 2 inches long.
24. Spider Crickets
| Scientific Name | Rhaphidophoridae |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | caves and forested areas |
Spider crickets, also known as cave crickets, are brown or black insects that can be found in dark, damp places such as caves, basements, and garages. These creatures get their name from their long legs and spider-like appearance. While they may look creepy, spider crickets are actually harmless to humans.
25. Tree Cricket
| Scientific Name | Oecanthinae |
| Type of Animal | Insect |
| Range | every continent except Antarctica |
The tree cricket is one of the most common insects with long legs. These creatures are small, ranging in size from about 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long. They’re typically brown or green in color and have long, slender antennae.
One of the tree cricket’s most notable features is its long, thin legs. These legs allow the cricket to move quickly and jump great distances. In fact, tree crickets are among the best jumpers in the insect world.
Conclusion
Insects with long legs can be found all over the world. They have evolved to have these long limbs in order to better traverse their environment and find food. While they may look strange or scary to some, they are a vital part of our world and play an important role in the food chain.
Hi, I’m Garreth. Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal. When I was younger I always wanted to be a game ranger but unfortunately, life happens and now at least I get to write about them and tell you my experiences.