1. Bullet Ant
This insect is found in the rainforests of Central and South America and has the longest stinger of any insect, reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length. The bullet ant's venom is powerful enough to kill a human being in under an hour if left untreated. The bullet ant's painful sting can cause fever, sweating, and even paralysis. According to local legend, the Amazonian Ticuna tribe has a secret antidote for bullet ant venom. Found only in South America, this ant was first described by German entomologist Hendel in 1896.
2. Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider is found throughout much of North America and is recognized by its distinctive black body with a red hourglass shape on its abdomen. This venomous spider's bite can be extremely painful for humans, causing muscle cramps, breathing difficulties, and even paralysis. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, there are no reported deaths from black widow spider bites in the United States. In some parts of Australia, black widows have been known to cause death due to their potent neurotoxin venom.
3. Asian Giant Hornet
This hornet is native to Japan and other parts of East Asia and can grow up to 1.5 inches (38 mm) long, making it one of the largest hornets in the world. The Asian giant hornet's venom is powerful enough to dissolve human tissue, causing severe pain, swelling, and even paralysis. With over 100 deaths per year reported in Japan alone, this hornet is considered a serious threat to human life.
4. Brazilian Wandering Spider
Also known as the "armed spider," this species has been responsible for an estimated 50-60 human fatalities each year in South America. Found throughout Brazil and parts of Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay, its venom can cause extreme pain and sweating, with some victims reporting that they lose control over their bodily functions.
5. Box Jellyfish
The box jellyfish is found in tropical waters around the world and contains thousands of tiny, venom-filled barbs called nematocysts that make up its stinging cells. Its venom is capable of killing a human being within minutes if left untreated, with some victims experiencing cardiac arrest and death. In fact, the box jellyfish is responsible for an average of 20-40 reported deaths each year in Australia.
6. Redback Spider
A relative of the black widow, this spider's venom can cause severe pain and sweating, as well as breathing difficulties, if left untreated. The redback spider's bite is almost indistinguishable from that of its cousin the black widow, making it a deadly insect to encounter by mistake. Found throughout Australia and parts of Southeast Asia, the redback spider is considered an invasive species.
7. Yellow Sac Spider
While not usually life-threatening, the venom of this spider can cause painful swelling, redness, and blistering around the bite area. Native to North America, its distinctive sac-like appearance has led some scientists to believe that it may have a unique method of catching its prey. According to research by the University of Texas at Austin, this spider's venom contains several compounds with potential medicinal uses.
8. Africanized Honey Bee
This hybrid bee is aggressive and has been responsible for an average of 80-100 reported deaths each year in South America and the southwestern United States. The venom from these bees can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and some people may experience what are known as "bee stings" without ever having encountered these insects.
9. Tarantula Hawk Wasp
This wasp is known for its aggressive behavior when defending itself or its territory, with the ability to immobilize tarantulas using a potent neurotoxin-based venom. Some species of this wasp will even consume the insides of tarantulas after injecting them, earning it the nickname "the most deadly creature in the animal kingdom." 10. Syzygium Spathifolium - This genus contains the world's second-most toxic insect, the "sailor ant," which causes necrotic lesions that can be fatal to humans if not treated promptly.