Top 15 Most Venomous Insects in the World You Must Pay Special Attention To

Bullet ant or Paraponera Cavata is an insect species found in tropical rainforests. These bullet ants are one of the deadliest insects in the world due to their venom causing extremely painful wounds. They are also large ants, reaching up to 1.2 inches in length. Bullet ants usually nest under the base of trees. They spend all their time foraging for food and only attack humans when they feel threatened. You should not underestimate their venom because unlike honey bees, they can sting you multiple times. The venom of the bullet ant is very potent and affects the victim's central nervous system. The sting of the bullet ant is the most painful and long-lasting of any insect, with pain likened to being shot by a bullet. Bullet ants are not aggressive; they only get angry when provoked. When stinging, the ant releases a chemical signal to attract other ants in the vicinity to sting more.

Two other insects, the parasitic wasp on Tarantula and the warrior wasp, can be compared to this ant species. However, the pain of the parasitic wasp sting lasts less than 5 minutes, while that of the warrior wasp lasts 2 hours. However, the pain of the bullet ant can last for 12 to 24 hours. The main toxin in the bullet ant's venom is Poneratoxin. Poneratoxin is a small neurotoxic peptide that inhibits sodium ion channels with voltage in the exoskeleton to block nerve transmission in the central nervous system. In addition to severe pain, this venom causes temporary and uncontrollable paralysis. Other symptoms include: Nausea, vomiting, fever, and cardiac arrhythmia. Allergic reactions to the venom are very rare. While Poneratoxin does not cause death in humans, it paralyzes or kills other insects. Poneratoxin is a promising candidate for use as a biological insecticide. In Brazil, ants are called formigão-preto or 'large black ants.' Americans have called them names like 'deep-wound causers.' Whatever the name, this ant is very frightening and needs to be careful when entering areas with them. They can make the body tremble and temporarily paralyze limbs. To treat a bullet ant sting, you need to wash the wound with soapy water and then use salt to reduce inflammation.

Ong mật là loài côn trùng duy nhất trên thế giới sản xuất thực phẩm dành cho con người. Ong mật có thể nói là loài ong tốt nhất trên thế giới và quen thuộc nhất với con người. Lợi ích kinh tế mang lại từ ong mật là không hề nhỏ và chúng cũng góp công lớn trong ngành công nghiệp thực phẩm trên thế giới. Tuy ong mật sẽ chết sau khi đốt, nhưng kim của chúng sẽ khoan sâu vào da thịt, để lại sự đau đớn và bỏng rát giống như đang bị quẹt một que diêm lên cơ thể vậy. Những con ong mật sống thành bầy đàn. Ong là một loài côn trùng lành tính, nó không gây nguy hại cho người. Nhưng bản năng tự vệ của ong rất cao, nó sẽ trở nên rất hung hãn khi bạn gây nguy hiểm cho chúng. Nọc của ong thường rất độc, nhưng mỗi một loài ong sẽ có mỗi tác động và mức độ nguy hiểm khác nhau, thông thường thì những loài ong nuôi, ong mật hay ong ruồi sẽ ít nguy hiểm cho con người hơn là những loài ong kích thước lớn. Khi bị ong đốt, dù 1 hay 2 vết thì phản ứng đầu tiên của cơ thể vẫn là đau, nhức và vết đốt sẽ sưng tấy lên, nổi ban đỏ kèm theo ngứa.

Nọc độc của mỗi loài ong thường có những thành phần khác nhau nên mức độ nhiễm độc và gây dị ứng cho cơ thể cũng khác nhau. Đối với ong mật thì nọc thường ít độc hơn, nếu chỉ bị đốt 1 đốt thì vết đốt sẽ sưng lên nhưng mức độ nguy hiểm ít, chỉ cần sơ cứu bằng cách rửa sạch vết ong đốt bằng xà phòng là được. Nhưng nếu bị ong đốt ở những vị trí nhạy cảm chẳng hạn như ở vùng họng, vết đốt có thể gây sưng phù và khó thở quanh vùng họng. Vì vậy phải đưa bệnh nhân đi khám ngay. Những vết ong đốt ở vùng mí mắt cũng sẽ gây tổn thương rất nặng cho mắt, có nhiều trường hợp còn dẫn đến hư hỏng đôi mắt. Trong trường hợp bạn bị một đàn ong mật cắn khi bạn chẳng may chạm vào tổ của chúng thì hoàn toàn không hề đơn giản, bạn phải nhanh chóng tìm cách ra khỏi “vòng vây” và đến ngay các trung tâm y tế đẻ được khám và điều trị đúng cách. Điều kì lạ là những con ong mật sẽ chết ngay sau khi đốt. Trên thực tế ngòi của một con ong mật để tiêu hóa và thần kinh. Vì vậy, khi ong mật cố gắng để cắt đứt ngòi ra từ da của các nạn nhân, chúng cũng sẽ mất đường tiêu hóa và thần kinh, chúng chết ngay sau đó.

Red ants are known for their fierce nature originating from the Southwestern United States. Red ants resemble fire ants but are not related to the fire ant species. With their dark red color and large square head, they are easily identifiable, yet they are very timid and avoid humans. Despite this, red fire ants possess venom that causes severe swelling, pain, and itching. Their bites have been described by Justin Schmidt as similar to 'a nail growing backward and stabbing out from the skin'. They live in colonies and build nests underground. They fiercely protect their nest and can bite enemies multiple times.

The venom of this insect species causes a sensation of heat, burning, and itching, and in some rare cases, it can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Red ants can pose a risk of biting humans and pets, impacting wild animal populations. If you discover red ants in your home, you may need to take steps to eliminate them. Red ants will attack any animal species if they feel threatened. They inject venom into the body, causing intense pain, swelling, and severe itching, gradually weakening the body afterward. To treat red ant bites, apply salt to the affected area to reduce inflammation and then use Calamine Lotion to alleviate heat and itching.

Bald digger bees are among the insects found throughout North America. In fact, bald digger bees are not actually digger bees. They are called so because of their large size, which can reach between 13-20 mm. Bald digger bees live in colonies of 200-400 members. They build large nests on various plants and trees in the forest. Bald digger bees are quite venomous insects; they can use venom continuously when attacking enemies, causing them to become dizzy and lose their ability to resist.

The venom of the bald digger bee can cause swelling within 24 hours. Although it does not affect life, if not treated promptly, the victim may need to stay in the hospital for a long time. When attacking enemies, bald digger bees spray venom into the eyes of intruders, which can lead to temporary blindness and extreme pain. They are extremely aggressive insects when anything intrudes into their nest. In such cases, the sting will leave behind their venom, causing severe pain, inflammation, and intense itching (a burning sensation). When stung by a bee, wash the area with soap to prevent infection and then bandage it to relieve pain. Use salt or vinegar to clean the itchy, red, and inflamed area.

The golden digger bees are a dangerous species found worldwide. Due to their yellow and black patches on their bodies, they are called golden digger bees, and beware as they are very aggressive. They will attack if they feel threatened. Golden digger bees are considered extremely venomous bees that can kill a healthy person in just a few hours (from the time of the attack). When stung by this insect, the victim will feel very hot and stinging, similar to putting a cigarette on the tongue, and if not promptly treated, the victim will die within half a day.

The group attack of golden digger bees can cause severe pain and serious health effects, including: difficulty breathing, swelling, chest tightness, slurred speech, weakness, and even fainting. They live in colonies in large paper nests built on trees, bushes, or underground, and a nest can have up to 4000 members living together.

Fire ants, scientifically known as Solenopsis invicta, originate from South America. The ant's body is bronze-colored, with the abdomen being darker. Despite their small size, they are highly aggressive, especially when defending their colony. Their sting is sharp, and the venom is rated at 1.2 on Schmidt's sting pain index. Anyone who has been stung by fire ants will never dare to approach them again. This is because fire ant stings can cause intense pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing. These ants are found in large numbers across tropical forests in Central and South America. They live in colonies on decaying tree trunks or under rocks.

Particularly aggressive species of fire ants will attack anything that disturbs their colony. They quickly climb onto the intruder and sting through the skin, injecting venom containing harmful Alkaloids and Piperidine toxins. When bitten by fire ants, it feels like being burned by fire. The sting site then swells with itching and irritation. When attacked by a swarm, symptoms include burning, itching, swelling, nausea, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and the formation of dangerous white pustules. When bitten, wash the wound immediately with soap and use Hydrocortisone cream to relieve pain and itching. Then apply ice to make the skin more comfortable.

There exists a species of ants that live in symbiosis with the bullhorn acacia tree, known as Bullhorn Acacia Ants. They possess stingers that inflict excruciating pain on humans. This species resembles the Vietnamese orange ant, often found on characteristic trees, protecting them from destructive insects. Bullhorn acacia ants have a body shape resembling a drawn bullhorn, large eyes, and a biting sting akin to being pricked by a needle. These ants are known for their symbiotic relationship with Acacia plants.

Bullhorn Acacia Ants, belonging to the parponera clavata family, are the most venomous ants among insects. When stung, their venom causes agonizing pain similar to being shot by a bullet, lasting over 24 hours. They are highly aggressive, living on Acacia trees throughout Central America to forage and build nests. Due to the unpleasant scent of the acacia tree, they are attracted to it. Then, the ants receive ample nutrients and nectar from the tree. The ants will then protect the tree, preventing herbivores or humans from approaching. The swarm will sting, causing prolonged pain. Therefore, staying away from acacia trees is the best choice for you.

The majority of scorpion species on this planet are harmless to humans, although their venom can cause various reactions such as pain, numbness, stiffness, or swelling when stung. Among the minority, there are several scorpion species, mainly belonging to the Buthidae family, that can pose serious threats to our lives. Notable venomous scorpions belonging to the Buthidae family include those in the genera Parabuthus, Tiyus, Centruroides, Androctonus, notably the deadliest species known as the Leiurus quinquestriatus Scorpion.

The Leiurus quinquestriatus Scorpion, also known as the deathstalker or desert scorpion, is the most venomous scorpion species found inhabiting deserts and bush environments from North Africa through the Middle East. Its venom is highly potent, neurotoxic, although not aggressive enough to cause death in a healthy adult, it poses a significantly higher risk to elderly and young children. The two scorpions responsible for the most human deaths in Africa are Androctonus australis, or the North African fat-tailed scorpion. However, the venom of Androctonus australis is only half as potent as that of Leiurus quinquestriatus. The most common and simple symptoms experienced after being stung by this scorpion include pain, numbness, and stiffness lasting for several days. Despite being dangerous, they are often shy and prefer to flee or remain motionless when confronted with a threat.

Sweat Bees are a collective name for various bees attracted to human sweat and salt. They are among the most common bee species worldwide. Sweat Bees are found in large numbers, with nearly 1000 species in the Northern regions of the United States. They can grow up to 3-10mm in length. They may sting if you try to remove them from your body. In such cases, female Sweat Bees will sting, while males will simply collect salt and sweat from your skin.

Particularly dangerous is the venom from a female Sweat Bee, causing some pain and a burning sensation all over the body. It can also lead to intense itching and numerous welts. If stung, immediately use ammonia or apple cider vinegar to reduce pain and swelling, along with salt paste to alleviate itching.

The Anopheles Mosquito, also known as the malaria mosquito or the malaria carrier, is the culprit behind the extremely dangerous disease malaria, threatening human lives. Its distinctive feature is its long proboscis, equal in length to its body, with black and white scales on its wings. An adult Anopheles mosquito has a slender body with three parts: head, thorax, and abdomen. They possess long antennae with numerous segments used to detect the scent of their host as well as the scent of egg-laying sites. Female mosquitoes are particularly attracted to the smell of foot odor, often returning to their host multiple times for blood meals.

The Anopheles Mosquito carries the malaria parasite Plasmodium, posing a serious threat to human lives. When an Anopheles mosquito bites, it injects the parasite into the human bloodstream, causing the disease. Malaria symptoms typically include recurrent fever episodes every 2-3 days. Common symptoms of an Anopheles mosquito bite include chills, high fever, sweating, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, anemia, muscle pain, seizures, and even unconsciousness. Anopheles mosquitoes thrive in low-humidity conditions, so if you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly!

In most southern Brazilian tropical forests, there exists a caterpillar species locally known as the lazy clown, named the Lonomia caterpillar. Despite their gentle and beautiful appearance, the venom within their bodies can be deadly. If you accidentally touch the spines on this caterpillar's body, you risk internal bleeding, liver failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, earning them the nickname 'harvesters of death.'

The venom of the Lonomia caterpillar is one of the fastest-acting toxins known to cause human death, with fatal consequences possible within as little as 6 seconds after exposure, significantly faster than the deadliest snake venom. These caterpillars are relatively difficult to propagate compared to other species, living exclusively on tree trunks and often concealing their bodies under multi-colored, beautifully patterned shells.