Uploaded November 2011 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
If this isn't the world's ugliest insect, it's certainly one of the top contenders! Seen here in extreme macro/close-up, this Potato Bug (also known as a Jerusalem Cricket, Skull Insect, and a number of other names) generally burrows into and lives underground where it eats mostly decaying organic matter, although it is also known to eat other insects. Sometimes these bugs can be found wandering around at night looking for new places to burrow and feed, and can occasionally be uncovered by turning over rocks, boards, and other large items which have been laying on the ground for a long time.
This particular specimen is nearly 3 inches long and looks like it could inflict a good bite, although it is not poisonous and would probably not attack unless provoked.
The music is "Darkness" from the "Digital Dreaming" CD by Technician (yours truly), available on iTunes at:
itunes.apple.com/us/album/digital-dreaming/id416815761 full artist discography and CDs available at HTTP://technician.jcmdi.com
This is copyrighted material, however, you may download this footage directly from YouTube and use it free of charge in your own non-profit/non-commercial YouTube videos. The full free usage policy, and copyright notice/claim and partner ad info can be found here:
jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.html#freeusage and
jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.html#partner
(please read both sections before using JCMDI material - Thanks!)
If this isn't the world's ugliest insect, it's certainly one of the top contenders! Seen here in extreme macro/close-up, this Potato Bug (also known as a Jerusalem Cricket, Skull Insect, and a number of other names) generally burrows into and lives underground where it eats mostly decaying organic matter, although it is also known to eat other insects. Sometimes these bugs can be found wandering around at night looking for new places to burrow and feed, and can occasionally be uncovered by turning over rocks, boards, and other large items which have been laying on the ground for a long time.
This particular specimen is nearly 3 inches long and looks like it could inflict a good bite, although it is not poisonous and would probably not attack unless provoked.
The music is "Darkness" from the "Digital Dreaming" CD by Technician (yours truly), available on iTunes at:
itunes.apple.com/us/album/digital-dreaming/id416815761 full artist discography and CDs available at HTTP://technician.jcmdi.com
This is copyrighted material, however, you may download this footage directly from YouTube and use it free of charge in your own non-profit/non-commercial YouTube videos. The full free usage policy, and copyright notice/claim and partner ad info can be found here:
jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.html#freeusage and
jcmdi.com/stockfootage/faq.html#partner
(please read both sections before using JCMDI material - Thanks!)
