Buzz
Many insects are harmless, adorable, and easy to overlook. We typically don't notice them unless they start buzzing around us or crawling too close. However, some insects are incredibly frightening and pose serious dangers.
They have the ability to inflict excruciating pain on their victims that can linger for hours or even days. Certain species deliver bites or stings that could even be fatal. Here are 10 of the most horrifying insects in existence.
10. Giant Silkworm Caterpillar
This eerie caterpillar is found in South America and is responsible for several fatalities annually. The giant silkworm caterpillar has small bristles that release a potent toxin, which becomes deadly when ingested. It has earned the nickname 'assassin caterpillar' or 'killer caterpillar,' though it is merely the larval stage of the giant silkworm moth (Lonomia obliqua).
The venom from this insect can induce gangrene-like symptoms throughout the body, blood leakage into the brain, and even death. The toxin's potent anticoagulants prevent blood clotting, leading to uncontrollable bleeding and ultimately, death. Over 500 deaths have been attributed to the giant silkworm caterpillar.
9. Bullet Ant
The bullet ant is known for delivering the most excruciating insect sting in the world. It is also the largest species of ant, with worker ants reaching over 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in length and resembling a wingless wasp. The queen ant is nearly the same size. These ants are reddish-brown, with more hair than other related species, and are found mainly in Central and South America.
The bullet ant earns its name from the extreme pain caused by its sting, which has been described as feeling like being shot. The venomous sting can cause agonizing pain for up to 24 hours. On the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, the bullet ant is ranked Level 4—the highest level of pain, surpassing the harvester ant, paper wasp, and even the tarantula hawk wasp.
8. Amazonian Giant Centipede
Reaching up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) in length, the Amazonian giant centipede is often regarded as the largest centipede in the world. It is commonly found throughout South America and the Caribbean and is also known as the Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede. Its body is made up of 21 to 23 distinct sections, each equipped with legs.
The Amazonian giant centipede is known for its aggressive and jittery nature. During a confrontation, it fiercely latches onto its prey with all its legs. The venom it carries is highly potent and deadly to many small animals, though it is generally not fatal to humans.
Despite this, the venom can cause intense pain, swelling, chills, fever, and a general sense of weakness. For those who are allergic to the toxins, it could potentially be lethal.
7. Tsetse Fly
Similar to mosquitoes, tsetse flies feed on blood. However, their method is much more unpleasant. Their mouthparts have tiny serrations that saw through your skin. These flies are also carriers of various diseases, including one known as 'sleeping sickness.' If left untreated, the infection is often fatal.
The symptoms of sleeping sickness begin with fever, headaches, and muscle aches. As the disease advances, the person becomes increasingly fatigued, experiences drastic personality changes, confusion, and poor motor coordination.
There are around two or three dozen species of tsetse flies, primarily found in Africa. These bloodsuckers are typically 6–16 millimeters (0.2–0.6 inches) long, sturdy, and have a yellowish or brownish hue.
Tsetse flies are predominantly found in woodlands and are most active during the early hours of the day. Most attacks on humans are carried out by male tsetse flies, while the females tend to feed on larger animals.
6. Human Botfly
Resembling a bee, the human botfly has more hair and fewer bristles. It typically targets livestock, deer, and humans. The female botfly deposits her eggs on mosquitoes, other flies, and insects, which then transport the eggs to a host. The warmth of the host’s body triggers the eggs to hatch, and the larvae begin to burrow into the skin. These flies are commonly responsible for the loss of beef in tropical America.
The larvae of human botflies cause painful raised lesions in the skin, which typically harden over time. Sometimes, the patient may feel the larvae moving when they shower or cover the wound.
The larvae are typically removed through a straightforward surgical procedure under local anesthesia. In some cases, the larvae can be squeezed out by applying pressure. After the procedure, antibiotics are prescribed, and the wound usually heals within two weeks.
5. Killer Bees
The killer bee, also known as the Africanized bee, closely resembles a common honeybee, to the point where only a lab measurement can distinguish them. While the venom of an Africanized honeybee is no stronger than that of a regular honeybee, the killer variety is more aggressive and tends to attack in swarms, making them a significant threat to humans.
Killer bees build small colonies and can nest in unusual places like tires, crates, boxes, and even abandoned cars. These bees are known to chase people for distances up to 0.4 kilometers (0.25 miles) if they become agitated and aggressive.
If you're being pursued by an Africanized bee, the best strategy is to run in a zigzag pattern and find shelter as quickly as possible. However, don't dive into the water to escape, as the bees will simply wait around until you resurface.
4. Driver Ant
Driver ant colonies, which can number up to 22 million members, relocate daily in search of food. These relentless creatures leave destruction in their wake, devouring any insect that crosses their path, allowing them to continually forage without going hungry. They are predominantly found in Africa and prefer living in forested areas.
Driver ants attack anything in their path, from snakes to birds, mammals, and even humans. Armed with strong cutting jaws, they will also climb trees and shrubs to get a better vantage point on their prey.
A driver ant is formidable in size, sometimes growing over 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) long. Rather than stinging their victims, these ants tear them apart using their powerful mandibles. While a single ant wouldn't be a threat, they operate in massive groups, swarming their prey and attacking with relentless aggression.
3. Maricopa Harvester Ant
The Maricopa harvester ant is the most venomous insect on Earth, with venom composed of amino acids, peptides, and proteins. The ant attacks its target by grabbing hold with its pinchers and repeatedly injecting venom until it is forced off.
The venom of the Maricopa harvester ant is 12 times more potent than that of a honeybee. Just 12 stings can kill a rat, and approximately 350 stings are needed to kill a human. While that may sound like a lot, the stings can accumulate quickly when the ants attack in swarms.
When a Maricopa harvester ant stings its victim, it releases pheromones that alert other ants in the colony to join the assault. The pain from the sting ranks highly on the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, registering as a Level 3, just one below the most excruciating pain.
The pain from a Maricopa harvester ant sting can last anywhere from four to eight hours. These ants predominantly inhabit desert regions, with Arizona being their most common location.
2. Puss Caterpillar
The puss caterpillar is easily recognizable for its unique appearance, resembling a toupee. Although this small caterpillar might appear cute and tempting to touch, it is highly venomous. Known as the most poisonous caterpillar in the United States, its sting can inflict intense pain.
The sting of the puss caterpillar causes severe throbbing pain, a burning sensation, rashes, swelling, nausea, abdominal discomfort, headaches, and even shock. Treatment involves washing the affected area with soap and water, applying cooling compresses, and using tape to pull out any embedded hairs.
These creatures are named for their resemblance to house cats. While they appear soft, they possess toxic spines that can embed in your skin. Their bodies are teardrop-shaped and typically yellow, gray, or reddish brown.
This caterpillar is primarily found in Florida but has been spotted as far north as New Jersey and as far west as Texas. Don't be deceived by their fluffy, cat-like appearance—resist the urge to touch their hairlike bodies.
1. Asian Giant Hornet
The Asian giant hornet is the largest hornet species in the world. They are native to Eastern Asia, with the highest concentration found in the mountainous regions of Japan. These hornets are infamous for their extreme aggression and fearlessness.
Asian giant hornets feed honeybee larvae to their young, and in doing so, they can wipe out entire beehives. Using their strong mandibles, they overpower the bees with remarkable force and speed. In less than a minute, a single hornet can rip apart 40 honeybees!
The Asian giant hornet has a stinger that is 6 millimeters (0.2 in) long, capable of injecting venom potent enough to dissolve human tissue. In 2013, a series of attacks by these hornets led to over 40 fatalities and more than 1,600 injuries. This prompted local governments to deploy specialized medical teams and firefighters to manage the hornet threats.
