Most alien-looking insects in the world, and forests where travellers can find them

The natural world is filled with creatures so bizarre that they often look more extraterrestrial than earthly. Among them, insects easily take the crown. These bugs may look like dead leaves, others can look like flowers, while some will have the appearance of miniature dragons, skeletons, and other bizarre creatures that seem to belong in a sci-fi movie. These weird insects can be found in the deep, dark depths of dense tropical jungles. For wildlife travellers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, spotting these creatures in the wild can feel like stepping into another planet altogether.
Here are some of the world’s most alien-looking insects and the forests where travellers may encounter them.

Treehoppers might be the weirdest insects on the planet purely because of their absurd body shapes. Some species have giant helmet-like structures that resemble thorns, fungi, antennas, spikes, or even tiny helicopters. Scientists still debate why many evolved these bizarre shapes.
Where to spot: Rainforests in Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Amazon Basin

Some rare treehopper species look like tiny black dragons standing on leaves. Their backs carry elaborate horn-like structures that seem biologically impossible. They are among the closest things to fantasy creatures in the insect world.
Where to spot: Atlantic rainforests of Brazil.

This Australian stick insect looks like a dead leaf brought to life. Females appear bulky and prehistoric, while males are thin and almost branch-like. When threatened, they sway dramatically like leaves in the wind.
Where to spot: Forests in Australia.

This insect looks like several animals fused together. It has a long beak-like mouth, transparent wings, and in males, a curled tail resembling a scorpion sting. Thankfully, the “stinger” is harmless.
Where to spot: Forests in China, Japan, and Europe.

Native to Australia, this enormous cockroach can live for over 10 years and grows much larger than ordinary roaches. Its thick armoured body makes it look prehistoric. Unlike pest cockroaches, it spends most of its life underground.
Where to spot: Woodlands of Australia.

The orchid mantis looks less like an insect and more like a delicate flower petal floating in the air. This rare insect is endemic to Southeast Asia and can be found in rainforests where it looks so much like an orchid that unsuspecting insects will go straight for it. Pinkish white with petals and petal-shaped legs, the insect makes for one of the weirdest creatures ever seen.

Where to spot: Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai rainforests.

Considered one of the largest insects on Earth, the goliath beetle can attain an immense size. Even though the insect weighs quite a lot, it can still fly around and makes buzzing noises when in motion. Due to its mechanical appearance and sheer size, the insect resembles more of a machine than a beetle.
Where to spot: Tropical rainforests in Cameroon, Uganda, and the Congo Basin.

This giant mantis looks like something designed for a fantasy film. Equipped with dramatic leaf-like appendages and intimidating body parts, it employs camouflaging and intimidation techniques to catch its prey. Threatened by any predator, it flares out its limbs to look even more imposing.
Where to spot: Rainforests of Ethiopia, Kenya, and East Africa.