There are a number of insects who have the ability to produce toxin chemicals which can be deadly for the prey or they use them for defending themselves from the enemies. These venomous insects are capable of harming humans too. We might come across many venomous species unknowingly and some of them are total alien to us. The tiny sizes must not be taken lightly as they have the capability of killing someone in seconds. Some might look attractive enough but appearances are deceptive!
Here is our list of top ten most poisonous insects to stay away from:
1. The Red Imported Fire Ant
Source: ocvector.org
They are also known as the fire ant or RIFA, a species of ants found particularly in Alabama, South America. They are usually present in open areas like lawns, pastures, abandoned cropland, etc. They vary in shapes and sizes. They usually feed on flowers and developing fruits. A fire ant alone can do no harm to you but if together, they are known as one of the most aggressive insects that exist. They can destroy anything that comes in their path. These ants together can kill a young person and the pest control companies cannot guarantee you that they can get you rid of these aggressive ants.
2. Japanese Oriental Wasps
Living in remote locations of Japan these wasps can be deadly. These wasps can be as big as 2-3 inches long, yes this big! What is more frightening is that these wasps can be very aggressive in groups. Just like the RIFA, these wasps are also one of the most aggressive insects in the world. Hundreds of these aggressive wasps can sting you multiple times and trust us the pain can be unbearable because of the venom they produce. The venom of these wasps is more painful than any other venomous insect known to the humans. So better stay away from these dangerous flying creatures.
3. The Brown Recluse
Source: wm.edu
These brown spiders are mainly found living in the damp isolated places in Maryland. These species of spider can cause serious consequences if you get unlucky and get bit by them. These spiders can get into your shoes and bite you or crawl on the places where you relax and chill like your bed or sofas. People who get unfortunate with these spiders can have dead tissues which should be removed and treated as soon as possible or it can get very serious if not treated on time.
4. The Monarch Caterpillar and Butterfly
Source: dnr.maryland.org
They may look beautiful and attractive to you and you might want to keep them as a pet but we will advise you to stay away from these beautiful beasts. These butterflies, usually found in Maryland, with orange and black color may look very unique and magnificent, but don’t fall in the trap. Milkweed, on which the monarch caterpillar feeds, can cause distrupting effects in cardiac contractions as it is very toxic. So, for people who are fans of eating insects, please spare the monarch caterpillar. Your meal can turn out to be deadly.
5. The Cow Killer
They are hairy little creatures whose females look like hairy ants, actually a type of wingless wasps and their scientific name is mutillidae. They can be found in the US, Canada and Mexico. This insect has a powerful sting which can leave their enemies in unbearable pain for about 30 minutes. They have one of the most intense and painful stings ever found. These insects are about ¾ inches to 1 inch long. They live in sandy areas of old fields and are mostly active at night. They usually attack together if you step on one so it is better to stay alert if you live somewhere near them.
6. Black widow
Black widow which is also known as Latrodectus is a species of venomous spiders which can be found anywhere except Antarctica but they are mostly found in the United states as well as the parts of southern Canada particularly in the Okanagan valley of British Columbia. These spiders contain latrotoxin in their venom which can be deadly and may mess up systemic effects. The symptoms after getting bitten by the spider may last for 3-7 days but may continue for several weeks. Most of the people who were bitten by these spiders suffered no serious damage let alone death. Deadly bites were reported in the early 20th century mostly by the Mediterrannean black widow.
7. Asian Giant Hornet
Source: usda.gov
These giant insects are mostly found in many parts of Asia where it is called The Giant Hornet or The Giant Sparrow Wasp. Like any other wasps they tend to defend their nest if someone tries to attack it. The stings of these insects are quite painful and can be fatal to people who are allergic to bee and wasp stings. These insects killed a few people by stinging them in 2017 and 2018 in Japan.
8. Jack Jumper Ant
With the scientific name myrmecia pilosula, these ants are also known as jumper ants and are one of the venomous insects native to Australia. Their sting can cause mild reactions however their venom can cause serious allergies to the humans which can cause low blood pressure, increase heart rate, etc which can also lead to deaths if not treated on time.
9. Tsetse Fly
They are also known as the tik tik flies and are big biting flies found in tropical Africa. Getting bitten by this insect may not be a good experience for sure. One more thing which is worst above all the reasons of avoiding contact with this insect is that it is capable of transmitting diseases from dangerous parasites such as sleeping sickness. These diseases might prove to be fatal if not treated.
10. Tarantula hawk
This insect is a spider wasp whose scientific name is pepsin. Their prey being evident from the name is tarantula and are found worldwide. They are one of the largest wasps and can be up to 2 inches. Their powerful sting can literally make you scream in pain for up to 5 minutes. Good news about them is that they are not known to cause any sort of allergic reactions till now.
William Henry Gates III is an American business magnate, investor, author, philanthropist, and humanitarian. He is best known as the principal founder of Microsoft Corporation.
