'Creature from hell': Viral video of insect terrifies netizens

A video of an insect dubbed “creature from hell” by a section of netizens has gone viral on social media. The TikTok clip, which has garnered over 10 million views, shows the blue-greyish insect making weird movements.

According to News.com.au, the user who shared the viral video said he saw the insect in Laverton town of Western Australia, which is a 10-hour drive from Perth. It appeared to be a mix of a stick insect and a scorpion that had wings and a sharp tail. It was seen moving aggressively in a stabbing motion.

The clip drew a number of reactions from users on TikTok.

One said, “Australia looks gorgeous but the insects carry guns and smoke cigars. Never going.” Another added: “I am Australian and now I am actually scared."

“We are moving back to Western Australia after 5 years this isn’t making me too excited about it,” a comment read. Another person wrote, “Thank God I am far away from Australia”.

While the creature looked terrifying, Australian entomologist Nikolai Tatarnic said that it was harmless. Tatarnic told News.com.au that the creature was a walking stick insect, which belongs to the family of Phasmatidae.

“While most people are aware of their camouflage (i.e. looking like a stick), some species also engage in threat or startle displays (also called ‘deimatic behaviour’) to ward off potential predators,” the entomologist said.

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