Most people would steer clear of any snakes or
oversized spiders that crossed our paths. We have a sort of logic when
it comes to animals that tells us “Bigger = Deadlier.” And in the case,
say, a King Cobra versus a garden snake, that argument checks out. But
more often, you will often find that the opposite is true. Many animals
make up for their small size with deadly venom, and so what may look
like a regular snail could actually be your final downfall. Below are
ten tiny, but incredibly deadly, animals.
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Sonoran Coralsnake
These snakes, related to cobras, are found in the deserts of Mexico and
the Southern US. While they can grow to about two feet, they usually
don’t, and are much smaller and skinnier than most other snakes. As if
they’re not hard enough to see, due to their size, they tend to be
nocturnal.
Lucky for us, they prefer to indulge in cannibalism, snacking almost
exclusively on other snakes. But if you do decide to pick one up and
play with it, beware: their venom is a powerful neurotoxin that can
paralyze your central nervous system. |
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Blue Ringed Octopus
Try to forget about starting another grammar war over whether it’s
“octopuses” or “octopi,” and try to focus on how this thing will
straight-up kill you. The Blue Ringed Octopus can be found in the waters
around Australia, and measure up to a whopping 4 inches in size. Usually
it is a brown or yellow color but, when frightened, its blue rings will
light up all over its body.
However, as pretty as it is, do not touch! The tiny critter has an
incurable venom toxic enough to kill 26 adults humans in a matter of
minutes. |
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Brazilian Wandering Spider
So called because they hunt prey, as opposed to spinning webs, the
Brazilian Wandering Spider has been recognized since 2007 as the spider
with the most powerful venom in the world, and the one responsible for
the most human deaths. Most victims will die within an hour of being
bitten.
The spider, which can grow to have a leg span of 4 inches, is also known
as the banana spider, as it tends to hide inside between bunches of
bananas and then jump out at their prey. In 2008, one was found in a
crate of bananas in Britain. It was caught with a pencil, since that’s
logically the best tool to approach the most dangerous spider alive
with, before humanely putting them. By that, we naturally mean “blow
them up as violently as possible.” |
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Deathstalker Scorpion
Deathstalker scorpions are mainly found throughout Africa and Asia in
mainly dry, desert habitats, measuring up to 4 inches, but usually
around 2. They are considered to contain among the most powerful and
painful scorpion venom in the world, which can cause fever, convulsions,
paralysis and death.
When it comes to scorpions in general, the smaller the pincer, the more
powerful the venom. While many people would probably assume the
opposite, this is because those with large pincers can rely on the force
of their bite to get their message across, while those with small ones
need toxins to defend themselves. |
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Tarantula Hawk
Actually a type of wasp, there are 15 species of tarantula hawks in
North America, and they can grow to be about 2 inches long. They are so
called because they hunt tarantulas, stinging and paralyzing them. The
Tarantula hawk will then lay eggs in the spider, and bury it alive. When
the eggs hatch, they will eat the spider alive for 35 days.
So unless you’re a tarantula, that’s not something you need to worry
about. But that doesn’t mean you have nothing to worry about, since its
venomous sting is meant to be the second-most painful sting in the
animal kingdom.
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Giant Japanese Hornet
If you thought that was was bad, wait until you hear about this one: The
Giant Japanese hornet can grow up to 2 inches long, about as big as the
previous entry. Its venom works by being injected via a stinger that
measures 1/4 inch, and then attacking your nervous system while
dissolving your tissue at the same time. One hornet alone can kill an
adult, and anaphylactic shock is a very common side effect of being
stung.
Also, it can sting multiple times. Plus, if you do get stung, you’ll
have a hard time fleeing, as they can fly at 25 mph. Killing between 20
and 40 people in Japan a year, these animals are responsible for more
deaths than any other in Japan.
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Poison Dart Frog
Poison dart frogs are one of the most colorful animals in nature. This
is to scare off potential predators, and is known as aposematic
coloration. With such elaborate colors, predators will recognize the
animals that make them sick much faster than animals with dull colors,
and so are less likely to attack them.
Dart frogs are about two inches long, and their toxicity depends on
their color, with golden poison dart frogs having enough venom to kill
10 adult men. Scientists believe that they may get their toxins from
plant poisons eaten by their prey.
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Cone Snails
With the ability to produce up to 100 different toxins, cone snails are
among the most venomous creatures on the planet. The snails are mainly
found in Australia, and hunt fish. To do this, they hide in the sand and
wait for a fish to pass overhead. When they detect a fish, they thrust a
harpoon up, through which they inject their venom. This paralyzes the
fish, which they then eat.
A person stung by a cone snail probably won’t get eaten, but still only
has about a 30% chance of survival. The good news is that they can only
use each harpoon once, so you are unlikely to be stung more than twice.
Bad news: one sting is usually all they need.
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Harvester Ant
The harvester ant has the most toxic venom of any known insect.
Unsurprisingly, a sting from a single ant is not enough to deal any real
damage to humans, but the ants have figured a way around that. When one
ant bites, a pheromone is released to alert any other ants in the area.
When they smell this pheromone, they will all flock to the first ant,
and attack the victim together. Together, they can deal significant
damage to humans and, while deaths may not be common, they still do
occur, mostly as a result of either allergic reactions or anaphylactic
shock. |
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Irukandji Jellyfish
The Irukandji jellyfish less than an inch long. Most of us wouldn’t go
near a regular jellyfish unless to poke one with a stick but, if you
somehow managed to spot one of these teensy guys, you would probably
just splash it away. But be careful because, despite its size, the
Irukandji jellyfish is the most venomous creature on the planet. In
fact, it was only discovered recently, after it caused several deaths.
While doctors believe they may have a treatment for the sting now, it
isn’t certain.
After being stung, symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, increased heart
rate, and high blood pressure can set in within a matter of hours, or
even minutes. Its venom is 100 times more powerful than that of a cobra,
and 1,000 times more powerful than that of a tarantula. It goes without
saying that this terrifying creature is found in Australian waters.
#1. Irukandji Jellyfish
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