10 World’s Most Dangerous Insects

by Anusha MH2 years ago
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6 Tsetse Fly

Tsetse Fly
Image credit: Geoffrey M. Attardo via srf.ch

The tsetse fly is a large, biting fly that is found in Africa. It is responsible for transmitting the disease trypanosomiasis, also known as “sleeping sickness,” to humans and animals. The tsetse fly is a major hindrance to development in Africa, as the disease it carries can be fatal.

Parasites can be transmitted during pregnancy from mother to child, through sexual contact, or just by a bite. Once a person is bitten by this fly, they will become feverish and have a headache, with itchiness and joint pains.

At a later stage, people develop neuropsychiatric symptoms like sleep disruption, confusion, loss of balance, lethargy, and convulsions. Sleeping sickness disease threatens millions of people living in remote areas in 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Quick treatment is possible, but it depends upon the severity of the disease. (1, 2)

7 Anopheles

Anopheles
Image credit: via shutterstock

The Guinness Book of World Records ranked Anopheles as the most dangerous mosquito in the world. It is a genus of mosquitoes that includes over 460 species.

The Anopheles gambiae are the primary vectors for malaria parasites and are responsible for transmitting them to humans. In humans, malaria parasites will grow in red blood cells and cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and pain in joints.

As per records, these nasty creatures have been responsible for 50% of all human deaths since the Stone Age. Every year in sub-Saharan Africa alone, 1.4 to 2.8 million people die from malaria. It also imposes a huge economic burden. Although in some countries this disease has been eradicated, Africa still suffers from this deadly disease. Undoubtedly Anopheles is the most dangerous insect in the world, affecting people globally every year. (1, 2)

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8 Bull Dog Ant/ Myrmecia

Bull Ant
Image credit: via shutterstock

The bull ant is an Australian ant with a reputation for being aggressive and giving the most painful sting. It holds the title of the most dangerous insect in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records. The bull dog ant got its name by being most ferocious and keeping determined during the attack.

It is rarely afraid of human beings. It stings a large number of times in quick succession. Moreover, it injects more venom with each bite, leaving humans scared to death. During an attack, the ant will keep holding on to its victim with long, toothed mandibles.

It then curls its body underneath and thrusts its long, barbless sting into the skin. On rare occasions, their powerful sting has been enough to kill adults within 15 minutes. So, when you come across these ants, don’t even try to mess with these daredevils! (1, 2)

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9 Africanized Bee

Africanized Honey Bee
Image Credit: Lies Van Rompaey via inaturalist.org

Africanized bees are also called “killer bees.” The bee is a hybrid of the European honeybee and the African honeybee. These bees are aggressive and can attack in swarms, making them a serious threat to humans.

They can chase a human for a quarter of a mile (400 m). According to some reports, they have killed some 1,000 humans, with victims receiving ten times more stings than European honeybees. These bees have also been responsible for killing some horses and other animals too.

The bees often target the eyes and the face. They will go and spread all over the body. But they will attack dark areas on the skin rather than light areas. The venom of these bees is not much more toxic than that of their European cousins. What makes them the most dangerous insects is the sheer number that will attack.

There isn’t much you can do to ward them off except run far away and as fast as you can. Even jumping in water is a bad idea. These pesky bees will wait for you to come up and take your breath. (1, 2)

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10 Australian Funnel Web Spider

Australian Funnel Web Spider
Image credit: via shutterstock

Australian funnel web spider, also known as the “Sydney funnel web,” Atrax robustus, can kill a human within 15 minutes of being in contact with them! According to the Guinness Book of World Records and Australian Geographic Magazine, these critters hold the title of being the most venomous and deadly spiders in the world. They are relatively large and powerful. Their sharp fangs are capable of penetrating through fingernails and soft shoes. These spiders are mostly black, ranging from brown to plum, and reside in dark, moist places, sands, or rock gardens.

The male spider is more venomous and toxic than the female one. The male is mostly active at night and can even enter homes. This spider emits Delta batrachotoxin which is highly toxic to humans and other primates. Once bitten by them, within an hour, people can experience severe side effects, especially in their nervous system, as reported by Robert Raven, curator from Queensland’s Museum. Thereafter rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, numbness, and breathing difficulty are also likely to occur.

The study reveals that younger people and children are at greater risk of this spider’s venom. Until now, as per records, there have been 13 deaths associated with funnel web spiders. After introducing the antivenom FWSAV, there have been no records of death so far.

Even though only 10% to 15% of their bites are venomous, the National Center for Biotechnology Information has stated that these spiders should be considered life-threatening and potentially dangerous. Spiders are not considered as insects but archanids. Since both are distant ancestors, we included funnel web in the list. (1, 2)

Also Read:
10 of the Biggest Spiders in the World

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