The fear of insects resides in just about every one of us. But why are we afraid of bugs? Well, there is a good reason for that! There are many insect species out there who have no problem causing us harm or even killing us! Let’s take a look at the scariest types of insects in the world.
1. Asian Giant Hornet
Word has it that a sting from an Asian giant hornet feels “like a hot nail being driven into my leg.” This is because of the size of the stinger and the potent venom it packs! Each year, their sting results in 30 to 40 deaths in Japan alone.
2. Human Botfly
Human Botflies are known for burrowing into a person’s skin and laying an egg. When the egg hatches and turns into a maggot, it will eat the flesh and tissue surrounding it. Once it matures, it emerges from the wound and flies away.
3. African Assassin Bug
When African assassin bugs bite their prey, they inject some of their saliva, which liquefies the prey from the inside. Although a sting from one of these bugs is unlikely to kill a human, it is extremely painful.
4. Bullet Ant
Bullet ants get their name from their incredibly painful bite, which feels like getting hit by a bullet. Their sting is ranked as the most painful of all insects.
5. Amazonian Giant Centipede
Although the Amazonian Giant Centipede isn’t a danger to humans, it has contributed to at least one death. Unfortunately, a four-year-old from Venezuela was bitten by one hiding in a soda can. Mainly, they are a danger to small birds, lizards, frogs, snakes, and bats.
6. Africanised Honey Bee
Africanised honey bees are often called “Killer Bees” because of their aggressive behavior. If you go near their nest, they will likely chase up to a quarter of a mile from their hives.
7. Tsetse Fly
Tsetse Flies are a major problem in sub-Saharan Africa because of their transmission of disease. They are said to bite large animals and drink their blood, which can transfer diseases from one population to another.
8. Army Ants
Army ants are extremely aggressive. If one ant decides to bite something or someone, their colony will join in. This causes an overwhelming number of bites, which can be fatal.
9. Mosquito
Mosquitos carry some of the worst and deadliest diseases in the world, such as malaria, yellow fever, Chikungunya, West Nile virus, dengue fever, filariasis, Zika virus, and other arboviruses. Mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world.
10. Saddleback Caterpillar
If you ever see a saddleback caterpillar in the wild, do not pick it up! Their bodies are covered in urticating hairs, which are venomous. Their venom leads to pain, swelling, rashes, and nausea.
11. Tarantula Hawk
Despite its name, the tarantula hawk is not a bird or spider, but a type of wasp known for its agonizing sting. The pain lasts for about three minutes, but during that time, it can incapacitate even the toughest individuals. The sting is so intense that the best advice is simply to lie down and scream until it passes. This insect’s sting is a reminder that humans are not always at the top of the food chain.
12. Bat Bug
The bat bug, native to Africa, has one of the most disturbing mating rituals in the insect world. After finding a female, the male bat bug repeatedly punctures her abdomen, injecting its fluids directly into her bloodstream instead of mating in the usual way. While you probably won’t be mistaken for a bat bug, the idea of such creatures lurking around is enough to send chills down your spine.
13. Tongue-Eating Fish Parasite
Although it’s not technically an insect, the tongue-eating fish parasite is too gruesome to leave out. This parasite enters a fish’s mouth, consumes its tongue, and then attaches itself in its place. The fish, weakened by blood loss, lives with its parasitic tongue until it eventually dies. The parasite, now free to move on, becomes a disturbing thought for anyone who enjoys the ocean.
14. Giant Weta
The giant weta, while not as deadly as others on the list, is certainly something most people would not want to encounter. Known as the heaviest insect in the world, it weighs three times as much as a typical mouse and has a wingspan of up to seven inches. These terrifying creatures are only found in New Zealand, which may make some reconsider visiting the country.
15. Golden Orb Weaver
For those who fear spiders, the golden orb weaver adds another layer of dread. Not only are these spiders large and creepy, but they are known to eat animals much larger than typical insects. A shocking report once revealed that one of these spiders consumed a bird. With their hunger for larger prey, the golden orb weaver could eventually climb the food chain, making them a terrifying creature to encounter.
Source: The Scariest Types of Insects in the World
Stay connected with us for more stories like this! Follow us to get the latest updates or hit the Follow button at the top of this article, and let us know what you think by leaving your feedback below. We’d love to hear from you!
