A spider wasp that feeds off of tarantulas, the Tarantula Hawk causes dozens of deaths to humans every year. They are one of the largest wasps, growing up to 2 inches long. Their stinger carries a toxin that paralyzes their prey before dragging it (alive) to a nest of eggs and placing a single egg on the prey, which hatches to a larva that eats the living prey.
They can be classified by their vivid coloration of blue-black bodies and bright-colored wings. These colors warn potential predators of their danger. Consider yourself warned… this is not the kind of animal you want to get close to.
Bullet Ant
Any animal with the word bullet in its name is something you should worry about. This animal’s bite has been compared to a bullet wound and it will make your skin throb, hence the obvious name. Their painful bite will mercilessly leave you pulsating and burning for as long as 24 hours.
They are found in human lowland rainforests in Central America. These ants can measure up to an inch and have sticky feet to allow them to climb anything. Just make sure it doesn’t climb up your leg.
Blue-Ringed Octopus
This is surely not the octopus you want to see on your dinner plate. It may be the size of a golf ball, but its venom is so poisonous it has the power to kill 26 adults, with no antivenom available anywhere. Within minutes, this creature will leave you unconscious and paralyzed.
They can be found in coral reefs and tide pools in the Pacific and Indian oceans. They are identified by their yellowish skin and blue and black rings that change color when the animal is threatened. They usually live for two years, varying slightly due to nutrition, temperature, and the amount of light available to their habitat.
Africanized Honey Bee (Killer Bees)
These super-aggressive killer bees are known to chase their victims for miles, being much more defensive than other species of bees. They spread throughout the Americas after a Brazilian beekeeper in 1957 was trying to interbreed European and African honey bees and accidentally let some of them loose.
It’s safe to say that these critters are a lot deadlier than their European relatives, and are able to sting victims ten more times. These bees are responsible for the death of around 1,000 humans, horses, and other unfortunate animals.
Indian Red Scorpion
The deadliest and most lethal of the scorpions, don’t be fooled by the Indian Red Scorpion’s small size. Its venom affects the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and has a fatality rate of 8-40%. It is especially lethal to children.
It is found in densely populated regions of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. When traveling around there, be sure to check your boots before putting them on your feet because these critters oftentimes find their way into shoes.