Top 10 Tiny Yet Most Dangerous Animals in Vietnam

Mosquitoes have a pair of scaled wings, a pair of hard wings, a slender body, and long legs. Male mosquitoes feed on plant nectar and fruit juices to survive, while female mosquitoes also feed on the blood of humans and animals. Their size varies by species, but they rarely exceed a few millimeters. Most weigh around 2 to 2.5 mg. They can fly at speeds of 1.5 to 2.5 km/h. Mosquitoes have been present on our planet for about 170 million years.

Almost everyone has been bitten by a mosquito. Thought to be harmless, multiple mosquito bites can lead to skin infections and cause dengue fever. Mosquito bites result in red, itchy bumps on the skin. If bitten by an Anopheles mosquito, it may transmit diseases like malaria. These parasites live and thrive in human blood cells, causing symptoms such as nausea, flu-like symptoms, fever, and chills.

Previously, toxic chemicals were commonly used to eliminate mosquitoes, such as insecticide sprays or mosquito repellent coils. However, modern measures involve using organisms that can kill mosquitoes or other biological and physical methods, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals for the human body. To prevent mosquito bites, you should use a mosquito net when sleeping, keep your home clean, and wash mosquito bites with soap or diluted vinegar.

Fleas are blood-sucking insects, small in size (2-3mm), wingless, belonging to the order Siphonaptera, and known for their jumping ability. They primarily feed on the blood of animals but can also bite birds. With around 3,000 species, only a dozen regularly bite humans. Fleas that impact human health and activities include rat fleas, human fleas, and fleas from dogs and cats. Flea larvae feed on organic matter found in carpets or bedding.

Fleas are tiny insects that live in debris or parasitize animals like dogs and cats. Their bites are painful, causing swelling, allergic reactions, and even fever. Fleas are intermediate hosts for transmitting plague, which has caused pandemics resulting in the deaths of tens of millions in Europe. When bitten, it is advisable to wash the affected area thoroughly and apply alcohol or antiseptic oil. For animals bitten by fleas, they should be removed slowly or treated with heat.

The simplest way to eradicate fleas is to maintain cleanliness in the living environment, protect the skin with insect repellents, and limit the indoor breeding of pets (dogs, cats). Personal protection measures such as sweeping, scrubbing floors, and keeping the house clean help eliminate fleas, their eggs, larvae, and cocoons. For fleas that transmit diseases like plague and spotted fever, insecticides can be sprayed in rodent habitats to eliminate flea populations.

Bee is considered very familiar in human life. They serve many purposes such as providing honey for humans, playing a significant role in pollinating plants, and more. Most bee species typically build nests on tree trunks, bushes, rock crevices, ceilings, and underground. Their main food consists of flower nectar and other insects such as caterpillars, butterflies, spiders, beetles, and more. Additionally, they also consume liquid foods like plant resin, fruit, and larval saliva.

In Vietnam, there are numerous bee species, and almost every species possesses venom. Some are highly venomous, like the hornet and ground wasp, and multiple stings can be fatal. However, there are species that do not pose a threat to human health, such as honey bees. In cases of severe bee stings, victims may experience discoloration, shock, cardiac arrest, and potential fatality if not promptly treated. It is advisable to stay away from bee nests, and if necessary, wear full safety gear before attempting to disturb a bee nest.

Centipede in Vietnam, or giant centipede in Vietnam, is a species of centipede found throughout Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest centipede species in Asia, with a maximum length of 22 cm. Currently, 8 subspecies have been recognized; they are highly active and omnivorous. This centipede species can reach a length of 10 - 20 cm or even longer when fully grown. Its coloration can vary, with the body being red or reddish-brown, turmeric yellow, and the legs yellow or orange.

Like other species in the Scolopendra genus, the Vietnamese centipede has 21 segments, each with a pair of legs. On its head, there is an additional pair of legs covered by a flat membrane and accompanied by a pair of antennae. These legs have sharp claws connected to venom glands, which are the main tools for killing prey or self-defense. Centipedes breathe through holes along the sides of their bodies, shaped like circles or the letter S. They have simple eyes with poor vision, relying heavily on touch and chemical sensing.

This centipede inflicts a painful bite, causing swelling and fever. The venom of the Vietnamese centipede contains serotonin (a type of neurotransmitter), a blood thinner, phospholipase A (a protein that damages the heart), and a type of cytolysin. The bite is extremely painful and can lead to symptoms such as nausea and fever. When bitten, it is essential to squeeze out the venom from the wound, then clean the bite with soap, apply cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling, and use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Scorpion or stinger is a type of invertebrate, an eight-legged creature belonging to the Arachnida class (spider-like animals). Scorpions are characterized by a tail with a venomous hook. They are a cultural symbol with the image of the scorpion constellation (Scorpio) in the Western zodiac. All scorpion species have venom that destroys the nervous system, and the toxins affecting this system contain a small amount of protein, sodium, and potassium cations. Scorpions use their venom to kill or paralyze their prey, and this action is rapid and effective.

In Vietnam, there are two species of scorpions: the black scorpion and the brown scorpion. Stings from the stinger at the tail of these scorpions are similar to bee stings, causing swelling, redness, and pain, sometimes with bruising. The victim may initially feel a bit itchy at the sting site, but soon after, they may experience dizziness, sweating, teary eyes, a runny nose, nausea, and numbness in the limbs. If stung by a scorpion, it is advisable to apply an ice pack and spray pain relievers on the sting or take pain-relief medication.

Discovering the enigmatic creature: Fire Ants

The Fire Ant, measuring approximately 3-6mm, poses a significant threat when attacking humans. Its bites cause pain, swelling, and can be perilous. Known for its red color, the fiery ant is a fierce carnivorous insect that reproduces rapidly and dominates various food sources. Due to its venom, it can defeat prey and drive away larger vertebrate competitors from its resources. Its diet includes invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants, making it a serious invasive species.

Encountering the formidable Buffalo Fly

The Buffalo Fly, a notorious pest for both humans and livestock, inflicts incessant bites that can lead to weight loss in certain animal species. The male Buffalo Fly primarily feeds on pollen and honey and is active during the day. Its bites can be extremely painful for humans, equipped with mouthparts resembling small scissors used to cut through the skin with a scissor-like motion.

The Spider: A Closer Look

Spider bites often result in swollen, red, and painful skin. Occasionally causing dizziness and fever, but usually not overly dangerous. When bitten by a spider, clean the affected area with soap and apply cold compresses. If necessary, aspirin can be taken as directed by a doctor. In Vietnam, spider species are generally less harmful and pose no significant threat to human life.

Exploring the world of Centipedes

The Caterpillar: A common insect during hot and humid weather or after rainy days. Many believe that caterpillar hairs contain toxins causing pain and irritation on the skin they touch. In reality, not all caterpillar species have toxic hairs. Species with toxic hairs often cause stinging and swelling on the affected skin. Non-toxic species typically induce an itchy and uncomfortable sensation due to their small hairs that easily stick to the skin.

In the realm of tiny hunters, meet the fascinating Assassin Bug.

Known scientifically as Triatominae, the blood-sucking Assassin Bug resides within the Reduviidae family. These insects feed on the blood of vertebrates, some even thriving on invertebrates. Commonly found in the Americas, with scattered populations in Asia, Africa, and Australia.