25
Brazilian Wandering Spider
Source: nationalgeographic.com, Image: Wikipedia
These species are sometimes also referred to as banana spiders because they are frequently found on banana leaves. They have an aggressive defense posture, in which they raise their front legs straight up in the air. They are extremely poisonous to humans, and they are considered to be the deadliest of the world’s spiders. Their venom is toxic to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as extreme pain, salivation, irregular heartbeat, and prolonged, painful erections (known as priapism).
24
Candiru Fish
Source: nationalgeographic.com, Image: Wikipedia
These tiny creatures feed mainly on blood, can often be found inside the gills of other fish, and have been known to swim up a human’s urethra. Once they wiggle their way inside, they expand, nestle in, and send you to the emergency room in need of an invasive medical extraction. Though sometimes considered an urban legend, the candiru is a real threat to unknowing swimmers and the pain their bite causes has been described as unrealistically horrible.
23
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Source: nationalgeographic.com, Image: Wikipedia
These are the most venomous scorpions in North America—a frightening fact considering that this is the most commonly encountered house scorpion in Arizona. The venom causes acute pain and can lead to frothing at the mouth, breathing difficulties, and muscle convulsions. Limbs may become immobilized. Though the venom is rarely fatal, its effects can last for as long as seventy-two excruciating hours.
22
The Viper
Source: nationalgeographic.com, Image: Wikipedia
There are more deadly snakebites than those delivered by a viper, but viper bites are reputed to be the most painful. Van Wallach of the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology describes his worst encounter with a viper as follows: “It felt like somebody had a blowtorch and was burning the inside of your arm. It went on for three straight days before I had any relief.” Of course, envenomation from a viper can also kill you, so it’s best to avoid these slithery serpents at all costs.
21
Stonefish
Source: nationalgeographic.com, Image: Wikipedia
Not every creature on this list is capable of delivering a painful sting that can kill you, but the stonefish is one of the exceptions. Stonefish are the most venomous fish in the world, delivering often-fatal stings to humans as well. An ancient dance ritual performed by Australian Aborigines is a lesson in the dangers of the stonefish: the dancer displays terrible agony, writhing on the ground until finally succumbing to a death song. Needless to say, this is one fish you don’t want to accidentally step on while walking on the beach.
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