The group of insects known as Meganeura includes some of the biggest bugs the world has ever seen. Among the most notable and oft-cited examples is Meganeura monyi, a griffinfly from the Late Carboniferous period that could give other king-sized critters a run for their money. In fact, some scientists call it the "iconic giant dragonfly" (via Nature).
M. monyi had an impressive wingspan of about 2.5 feet. When experts calculated the possible mass of M. monyi based on its holotype, they figured that it weighed somewhere between 3.5 to 5.3 ounces (via the Journal of Experimental Biology). Interestingly enough, this also suggests that this huge insect probably overheated a lot.
According to InfoBloom, M. monyi and other Meganeura species likely took up residence near streams, ponds, and other water formations. Fossils suggest that they were among the most fearsome insects of their time, and that they probably preyed upon smaller pond-dwellers and arthropods. They also sported a series of appendages, the purpose of which remain a mystery; experts have suggested that they may have been for hunting, mating, anchoring, or egg-laying purposes (via Furman University). However, due to their gigantic sizes, it's highly unlikely that they could dart around as quickly as today's dragonflies.
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