Did the London Museum Showcase Giant Insects in 1890? A Victorian-Era Mystery

By the late 19th century, London had become a global center of culture and science. One of its most fascinating attractions was the Natural History Museum, home to vast collections of animal specimens, plant samples, and fossils. Among the towering dinosaur skeletons and exotic taxidermy, one particular exhibit left visitors in awe: giant insect models. But why were these massive insect replicas created, and were they based on real discoveries or purely products of imagination?

The 19th century saw tremendous advancements in natural sciences. Charles Darwin had published On the Origin of Species (1859), changing how humans understood evolution and biology. Museums were not just places of exhibition but also centers of research, where scientists sought to explain the mysteries of the natural world.

Entomology, the study of insects, was also gaining importance. However, due to their tiny size, studying insects was challenging. This is where enlarged models became useful, helping scientists and the public observe intricate details otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

The giant insect models at the museum were meticulously crafted from wood, metal, papier-mâché, and beeswax. Some of the most remarkable models included:

Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules): Typically no longer than 17 cm in real life, this museum model stood nearly 2 meters tall, showcasing its massive horns in stunning detail.

Ancient Dragonfly (Meganeura): This prehistoric dragonfly, which lived during the Carboniferous period, had a wingspan of up to 70 cm, but the museum’s model was over 3 meters wide.

Giant Ant (Formicidae): A warrior ant was reconstructed with sharp mandibles and an armored body, resembling something out of a nightmare.

Education – They helped the public understand insect anatomy and biology.

Scientific Research – Scientists used the models to study insect structures in greater detail.

Shock and Awe – In an era without television or internet, these oversized insects made a lasting impression on visitors.

Some Victorian-era enthusiasts believed that giant insects had once roamed the Earth—or even still existed in unexplored territories. This idea was fueled by popular adventure novels and newspaper sensationalism.

Although insects today are small, prehistoric Earth did host some truly enormous arthropods:

During the Carboniferous period (around 300 million years ago), the Earth’s oxygen levels were significantly higher (~35% compared to today’s 21%). This allowed insects to grow much larger than their modern counterparts.

Meganeura, an ancestor of today’s dragonflies, had a wingspan of up to 70 cm, almost as large as a seagull.

Arthropleura, a giant millipede-like arthropod, grew up to 2.5 meters long.

However, due to modern atmospheric conditions and physiological limitations, insects today cannot reach such extreme sizes.

Although these Victorian giant insect exhibits have largely disappeared, their influence continues in pop culture:

Literature and Journalism – 19th-century newspapers frequently reported on “giant creatures” allegedly discovered in British colonies such as India, Africa, and South America.

Cinema – Films like Them! (1954), Starship Troopers (1997), and King Kong (1933) have drawn inspiration from the idea of oversized insects and creatures.

Video Games and Comics – Giant insects appear in games like Fallout and Resident Evil and in manga/anime like Attack on Titan.

The giant insect exhibit at the London Museum in 1890 was a fascinating blend of science and art. While not based on real living creatures, these models played an essential role in educating the public and sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Though modern museums no longer showcase such oversized insects, the idea of giant arthropods continues to thrive in books, films, and scientific discussions.