The Asian giant hornet (scientific name Vespa mandarinia) has a venom that destroys red blood cells and can cause multiple organ failure and fatal allergic reactions. More than 40 people have been killed in China by these hornets since July.
Asian giant hornet —
The Asian giant hornet (scientific name Vespa mandarinia) has a venom that destroys red blood cells and can cause multiple organ failure and fatal allergic reactions. More than 40 people have been killed in China by these hornets since July.
courtesy Hornetboy1970
The Irukandji jellyfish, considered by researchers to be one of the world's most poisonous creatures, is only the size of a thimble.
Irukandji —
The Irukandji jellyfish, considered by researchers to be one of the world's most poisonous creatures, is only the size of a thimble.
courtesy Mike Leahy
This bug can cause the painful Chagas Disease, which supposedly killed Charles Darwin. Here, virologist and the writer of this article Dr. Mike Leahy lets the dreaded "assassin bug" roam free on his face.
Assassin bug —
This bug can cause the painful Chagas Disease, which supposedly killed Charles Darwin. Here, virologist and the writer of this article Dr. Mike Leahy lets the dreaded "assassin bug" roam free on his face.
courtesy Mike Leahy
The botfly's larvae burrow into your flesh and can "eat you alive." The best protection? Covering up.
Botfly —
The botfly's larvae burrow into your flesh and can "eat you alive." The best protection? Covering up.
courtesy Karsten Heinrich
Attacks by this bloodsucking fish are not too common, but their consequences are so dire, it takes the top spot on this terrifying creatures list. There are tales of the fish getting stuck in men's urethras and feeding on flesh before being surgically removed.
Candiru fish —
Attacks by this bloodsucking fish are not too common, but their consequences are so dire, it takes the top spot on this terrifying creatures list. There are tales of the fish getting stuck in men's urethras and feeding on flesh before being surgically removed.
courtesy Mike Leahy
Tapeworms are usually contracted by eating under-cooked meat. While they rarely kill, they will cause terrible discomfort and embarrassment.
Tapeworms —
Tapeworms are usually contracted by eating under-cooked meat. While they rarely kill, they will cause terrible discomfort and embarrassment.
courtesy Mike Leahy
As one of the most venomous and dangerous spiders in the world, the Brazilian "wandering spider," or "banana spider," possess venom that can cause long-lasting priapism in men.
Wandering spider —
As one of the most venomous and dangerous spiders in the world, the Brazilian "wandering spider," or "banana spider," possess venom that can cause long-lasting priapism in men.
courtesy Techuser
Unlike their nighttime counterparts, these mosquitoes can spread dengue fever, otherwise known as "break-bone fever." While it will probably not be fatal the first time around, it's possible to develop dengue hemorrhagic fever the second time, in which case the body's organs can turn to mush, and the victim may bleed from every orifice -- and stand a good chance of dying.
Day-biting mosquitoes —
Unlike their nighttime counterparts, these mosquitoes can spread dengue fever, otherwise known as "break-bone fever." While it will probably not be fatal the first time around, it's possible to develop dengue hemorrhagic fever the second time, in which case the body's organs can turn to mush, and the victim may bleed from every orifice -- and stand a good chance of dying.
david mcnew/getty images
The larvae of these critters make their home in the intestines of their host, then reproduce there for up to 12 years, gradually destroying the organ.
Bloodworm —
The larvae of these critters make their home in the intestines of their host, then reproduce there for up to 12 years, gradually destroying the organ.
courtesy Hans Hillewaert