What Is The Scientific Name of the Largest Cockroach And Why Shouldn't You Look It Up? The Viral Meme Explained

The scientific name of the largest cockroach has become a meme recently, but people online are being warned not to look it up. If you're reading this, you probably looked it up anyways and you'll be happy to know that we have the answers you're looking for. Here's why you're being told not to look up the scientific name of the largest cockroach.

What Is The Scientific Name of the Largest Cockroach?

The scientific name of the largest cockroach has been floating around online as a meme since as early as 2018. That year, a Tumblr user shared the name and received over 70,000 notes, as users expressed their shock over it. So, what is the scientific name of the largest cockroach anyway?

A quick Google search will tell you that the scientific name of the largest cockroach species is Megaloblatta Longipennis. The joke is that the last half of the name, "Longipennis," can be pronounced in the same way as a certain part of the male anatomy. The original Tumblr post makes that clear as day, also suggesting the first word in the name sounds like Megalovania, a well-memed song from Undertale.

How Is The Scientific Name of the Largest Cockroach Used In Memes?

Since 2018, the meme has steadily grown online. In 2023, the meme seemed to take another step towards virality when a "Peter I told you" meme went viral on 9GAG and X. While the meme discourages viewers from Googling the name, it's actually using reverse psychology, inevitably leading many to look it up for themselves and make further memes sharing the funny name.

For the full history of the scientific name of the largest cockroach, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.