How dangerous are scorpion stingers. What are the myths and facts about scorpion stings. How to treat a scorpion sting. What precautions can you take to avoid scorpion encounters.

The Anatomy of Scorpion Stingers: Nature’s Hypodermic Needle

Scorpions possess a unique anatomical feature that sets them apart from other household pests: their stinger. Located at the tip of the scorpion’s tail, the stinger, also known as the telson, is a fascinating piece of natural engineering. It consists of a bulbous structure that serves as both a venom production and storage facility.

The stinger’s design closely resembles a hypodermic needle, functioning similarly when delivering venom. This comparison is not merely superficial; it accurately describes the precision with which scorpions can inject their venom into prey or potential threats.

The Hunting Process: More Than Just a Sting

When hunting, scorpions employ a multi-step approach:

1. Initially, they attempt to crush their prey using their powerful pincers.
2. If necessary, they resort to stinging, injecting venom that targets nerve cells.
3. The venom causes paralysis and eventually death in their prey.
4. Post-kill, scorpions secrete digestive juices to break down the prey’s body, facilitating consumption.

This process showcases the scorpion’s efficiency as a predator, utilizing both mechanical and chemical means to subdue and consume its prey.

Scorpion Venom: A Complex Cocktail of Toxins

Scorpion venom is a sophisticated blend of chemicals, with chlorotoxin being a key component. This protein chain is responsible for many of the venom’s effects. However, it’s crucial to understand that venom composition varies significantly among scorpion species, resulting in different levels of toxicity.

Venomous Variations: Not All Scorpions Are Created Equal

While all scorpions produce venom, the potency and potential danger to humans differ greatly. For instance, the Deathstalker scorpion, found in North Africa and the Middle East, possesses a potentially lethal sting. In contrast, within the United States, only the bark scorpions of Arizona and California pose a significant threat to human health.

Is the sting of every scorpion species dangerous to humans? No, most scorpion stings cause discomfort comparable to a bee sting, with severe reactions being relatively rare.

The Myth of the Lost Stinger: Can Scorpions Detach Their Weapon?

A common misconception surrounds the fate of a scorpion’s stinger post-attack. Unlike bees, which lose their stinger and subsequently die after stinging, scorpions retain their stinger in most cases. However, in extreme situations, scorpions possess the ability to detach part of their tail, including the stinger, as a survival mechanism.

Can a scorpion regrow its stinger if lost? Generally, no. While the scorpion can heal from the loss within days, the detached tail and stinger do not typically regenerate.

Treating Scorpion Stings: First Aid and Medical Intervention

Most scorpion stings result in localized symptoms such as pain, swelling, tingling, and numbness at the sting site. The Mayo Clinic recommends the following first aid steps for a scorpion sting:

• Clean the wound with mild soap and water
• Apply a cool compress to the affected area for 10 minutes, alternating on and off
• Avoid consuming food or liquids if experiencing difficulty swallowing
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to manage pain

When should you seek medical attention for a scorpion sting? If you experience severe symptoms or if a child is stung, immediate professional medical assistance is advisable, as children can be more susceptible to scorpion venom.

Preventing Scorpion Encounters: Practical Tips for Safety

To minimize the risk of scorpion stings, consider implementing these preventive measures:

• Wear shoes, especially at night when scorpions are most active
• Use gloves when working in the yard or handling outdoor items
• Inspect camping gear thoroughly and avoid sleeping directly on the ground
• Shake out shoes before wearing, even indoors
• Seal cracks and crevices in your home to prevent scorpion entry
• Utilize a blacklight to check for scorpions in dark areas

How effective are these prevention methods? While they significantly reduce the risk of encounters, they don’t guarantee complete protection. Remaining vigilant in scorpion-prone areas is crucial.

Debunking Scorpion Sting Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Misinformation about scorpion stings abounds, often leading to unnecessary fear. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth #1: All Scorpion Stings Are Fatal

This is far from true. In the United States, fatal scorpion stings are extremely rare. Of the 40 to 50 scorpion species found in Arizona, for example, only the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpuratus) can produce severe symptoms in humans.

Myth #2: Scorpions Always Lose Their Stinger After Stinging

Unlike bees, scorpions do not typically lose their stinger after an attack. They can sting multiple times without losing this vital appendage.

Myth #3: All Scorpion Stings Require Immediate Medical Attention

While it’s always better to err on the side of caution, most scorpion stings can be treated at home with basic first aid. Medical attention is necessary only for severe symptoms or in cases involving children or individuals with compromised immune systems.

The Beneficial Side of Scorpion Venom: Medical and Agricultural Applications

Despite their fearsome reputation, scorpion venom holds promise in various scientific fields. Researchers are exploring its potential in developing:

• More effective and environmentally friendly insecticides
• Novel drugs for treating various diseases
• Pain management solutions
• Cancer therapies

How does scorpion venom contribute to medical advancements? The unique properties of scorpion venom components, such as their ability to target specific cell types, make them valuable in developing targeted therapies and diagnostic tools.

Living with Scorpions: Coexistence Strategies in Scorpion-Prone Areas

For those residing in regions where scorpions are common, learning to coexist safely is essential. Here are some strategies to minimize risks while respecting these creatures’ role in the ecosystem:

• Educate yourself and family members about local scorpion species and their habits
• Implement a regular pest control routine to reduce scorpion prey in and around your home
• Maintain a clutter-free environment, both indoors and outdoors, to reduce potential scorpion hiding spots
• Consider using natural scorpion repellents, such as certain essential oils or diatomaceous earth, around your property
• Install weather stripping and seal entry points to prevent scorpions from entering your home

Are these coexistence strategies 100% effective? While no method guarantees complete protection, combining these approaches significantly reduces the likelihood of problematic scorpion encounters.

The Importance of Professional Pest Control

In areas with significant scorpion populations, professional pest control services can play a crucial role in management. Experts can:

• Conduct thorough inspections to identify scorpion hotspots
• Implement targeted control measures
• Provide ongoing monitoring and prevention strategies
• Offer education on scorpion behavior and risk mitigation

How often should professional pest control be conducted in scorpion-prone areas? The frequency depends on factors such as location, property characteristics, and scorpion activity levels. A pest control professional can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your specific situation.

Understanding Scorpion Behavior: Key to Coexistence

Gaining insight into scorpion behavior can significantly reduce the risk of unwanted encounters. Some important behavioral traits to note include:

• Nocturnal nature: Scorpions are most active at night, seeking shelter during daylight hours
• Temperature sensitivity: They prefer cool, dark environments
• Defensive stance: Scorpions typically sting as a last resort when threatened
• Seasonal variations: Activity levels may change with seasons, often peaking during warmer months

How can understanding scorpion behavior help in prevention? By recognizing these patterns, you can adjust your activities and home maintenance routines to minimize the likelihood of unexpected scorpion encounters.

The Role of Scorpions in Ecosystem Balance

While often feared, scorpions play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. They serve as both predators and prey, helping to control insect populations and providing food for various animals. Recognizing their ecological importance can foster a more balanced approach to scorpion management, focusing on coexistence rather than eradication.

Advancements in Scorpion Sting Treatment: Beyond Basic First Aid

Medical science continues to advance in treating severe scorpion stings. Some notable developments include:

• Antivenom development: Specific antivenoms have been created for treating stings from highly venomous species
• Symptomatic treatment protocols: Improved methods for managing severe symptoms such as muscle spasms and respiratory distress
• Pain management techniques: Advanced approaches to controlling the intense pain associated with some scorpion stings
• Pediatric care improvements: Specialized treatments for children, who are often more severely affected by scorpion venom

How accessible are these advanced treatments? Availability varies by region, with areas prone to dangerous scorpion species typically having better access to specialized care and antivenoms.

The Future of Scorpion Sting Prevention and Treatment

Ongoing research in scorpion venom and sting treatment promises exciting developments:

• Development of universal antivenoms effective against multiple scorpion species
• Creation of more efficient venom detection methods for rapid diagnosis
• Exploration of scorpion venom components for novel pharmaceutical applications
• Advancements in personal protective equipment for high-risk professions

How might these advancements change our approach to scorpion sting management? Future developments could lead to more effective, targeted treatments and improved prevention strategies, potentially reducing the impact of scorpion stings globally.

Global Perspectives on Scorpion Stings: Varying Risks and Approaches

The risk and management of scorpion stings vary significantly across different parts of the world. Understanding these global perspectives can provide valuable insights:

High-Risk Regions

• North Africa and Middle East: Home to some of the most dangerous scorpion species, including the Deathstalker
• Parts of South America: Countries like Brazil face significant challenges with scorpion-related health issues
• India and Southeast Asia: Diverse scorpion populations present varying levels of risk

Low-Risk Regions

• Europe: Generally low risk, with few dangerously venomous species
• Most of North America: Apart from specific areas in the southwestern United States, scorpion risks are minimal
• Australia: Despite its reputation for dangerous wildlife, most Australian scorpions pose little threat to humans

How do different regions approach scorpion sting prevention and treatment? Approaches vary based on local species, healthcare infrastructure, and cultural attitudes towards scorpions. Some regions focus on public education and prevention, while others emphasize medical preparedness and antivenom availability.

Cultural Significance of Scorpions

In many cultures, scorpions hold symbolic or medicinal significance:

• Traditional medicine: Some cultures use scorpion-derived products in traditional healing practices
• Symbolism: Scorpions feature in various cultural symbols and mythology worldwide
• Culinary uses: In some regions, scorpions are considered a delicacy or used in alcoholic beverages

How do cultural perspectives influence scorpion management strategies? Cultural attitudes can significantly impact public education efforts and the adoption of prevention measures, highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to scorpion sting prevention and treatment.

The Impact of Climate Change on Scorpion Populations and Sting Risks

Climate change is altering ecosystems worldwide, and scorpion populations are not immune to these effects. Some potential impacts include:

• Range expansion: Changing temperatures may allow scorpions to inhabit new areas
• Behavioral changes: Altered climate patterns could affect scorpion activity levels and breeding cycles
• Ecosystem disruptions: Changes in prey availability may impact scorpion populations and human-scorpion interactions
• Increased human-scorpion encounters: As habitats shift, the likelihood of encounters in populated areas may increase

How might climate change affect scorpion sting risks in the future? While predictions vary, there’s potential for increased sting incidents in some regions due to habitat shifts and more frequent human-scorpion interactions. This underscores the importance of ongoing research and adaptive management strategies.

Adapting Prevention Strategies to Changing Environments

As scorpion habitats and behaviors evolve with climate change, prevention strategies must adapt:

• Enhanced monitoring: Implementing more robust systems to track scorpion population changes
• Updated public education: Adjusting awareness campaigns to reflect new risks and scorpion behaviors
• Adaptive pest control: Developing new methods to manage changing scorpion populations in urban areas
• Collaborative research: Encouraging interdisciplinary studies to understand and predict future scorpion-related challenges

How can individuals and communities prepare for potential changes in scorpion populations? Staying informed about local scorpion species, maintaining vigilance in changing environments, and supporting research and conservation efforts are key steps in adapting to evolving scorpion-related risks.

How Dangerous are Scorpion Stingers?

Scorpion anatomy is also intriguing. Their pinching claws and curved tails make them unique among pests commonly found in the house and yard.

Here are some quick facts and tips about scorpions that may help lessen the sting of your next encounter.

The scorpion stinger

The stinger, also known as the telson, lies at the tip of the scorpion’s tail. It features a bulb. This is where the scorpion’s venom is both produced and stored. Some say the scorpion stinger resembles a hypodermic needle, and it functions in much the same way when dispensing venom.

Typically when a scorpion hunts and attacks prey, it first attempts to crush its victim by grabbing with its pincers. If needed, the scorpion will also sting its prey, injecting venom that attacks the nerve cells and leads to paralysis and death. Scorpions have small mouths. Following the kill, the scorpion coats its victim with digestive juices that break down the body and make it easier to consume.

It’s not common for a scorpion to sting a human as they are defensive in nature. Whenever you come across a scorpion, understand that it may sense a threat and sting to keep you from crushing or otherwise harming it. Most scorpion stings are no more painful than a bee sting. Like a bee, sometimes a scorpion will lose its stinger in the process. Scorpion anatomy gives these arachnids the ability to release their stingers and parts of their tails in order to quickly flee a perceived threat. While the scorpion heals within days, the tail and its stinger do not usually grow back.

Related > What to do If You Get Stung by a Scorpion

Scorpion venom

The scorpion’s venom is composed of a protein chain called chlorotoxin. Each type of scorpion has its own venom, and all scorpion venoms have different toxicities.

Related > The Difference Between Poisonous and Venomous

For example, the sting of a Deathstalker scorpion, found in North Africa and the Middle East, can be deadly. In the United States, the bark scorpions of Arizona and California are the only species that pose a significant threat to humans.

Scorpion venom is also being studied for its potential benefit to humans, both for developing better insecticides and for creating new drugs to treat diseases.

Treating a scorpion sting

Most scorpion stings will simply cause pain, swelling, tingling and numbness at the site of the sting. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have a scorpion encounter that results in a sting:

• Clean the wound with mild soap and water
• Apply a cool compress to the affected area for 10 minutes. Remove it for 10 minutes and then reapply it.
• Don’t consume food or liquids if you’re having difficulty swallowing
• Then you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to help ease the pain from the sting.

The Mayo Clinic also says that toxins in scorpion venom can have a stronger effect on children. If you, or you children, begin to experience more severe symptoms after being stung by a scorpion, you should seek professional medical assistance immediately.

Helping avoid scorpion stings

Here are some practical tips for helping avoid an unpleasant encounter with this stinging pest:

• Wear shoes, particularly at night. Scorpions are nocturnal creatures
• Wear gloves when you work in the yard, especially if you will be lifting rocks and logs or collecting firewood
• When camping in areas where scorpions are active, check your tent carefully and don’t sleep on the ground outdoors
• If you live in an area where scorpions are active, shake out your shoes before putting them on, even while in your house. Be sure to check any shoes left outside, in the basement or in your garage as well
• Seal cracks and crevices in your home, and use a blacklight to check crawl spaces for scorpions.

If these exotic pests become a problem in or around your home, contact the professionals at Terminix®. Our pest control professionals can help rid your home of all these scorpions.

Scorpion Stings: Myths and Facts

They’re creepy and they’re crawly, and one may be hiding in your shoe! If you live in the desert or a semi-dry climate, you’ve probably encountered a scorpion or two in your yard or house—and possibly even stepped on one. Ouch!

While scorpions actually are pretty amazing and beneficial creatures, many of us fear them because they can sting. Much of this fear stems from the myths that are out there about them. It may be hard to separate fact from fiction.

Bryan Kuhn, PharmD, a pharmacist and poison education specialist at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, dispels five myths and confirms five facts about scorpion stings.

5 myths about scorpion stings

Myth #1: A scorpion sting is fatal.

Between 40 to 50 different species of scorpions live across Arizona. Only the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpuratus) can produce severe toxic symptoms to your nervous system – though most people stung by one can be safely managed and observed at home.

Myth #2: Baby scorpions are deadlier.

The age of the scorpion doesn’t dictate if the venom is more dangerous than the venom of an adult scorpion. Venom from all scorpions, regardless of size, is still venom.

A bark scorpion, in general, is smaller in size than other species of scorpions so perhaps this is where this myth comes from. That said, baby bark scorpions aren’t potentially more venomous or dangerous than their older siblings or parents.

Myth #3: Scorpion stings will always leave a mark.

Unlike a bee sting, scorpion stings often do not leave a mark. Given the small size of the bark scorpion, it’s often difficult to find the puncture wound. It’s not surprising that even when a patient comes into the urgent care or emergency department that the staff are also unable to determine the location of the puncture wound.

Myth #4: Applying an ice pack is the best way to alleviate symptoms.

While an ice pack may seem like it will be useful in reducing the numbness and pain caused by a scorpion sting, symptoms can come back with greater intensity when the ice pack is removed.

Instead, use a cool compress applied to the sting site. To do this, get a bowl of water with some ice cubes and soak a few washcloths to use as damp, cool compresses. Place one of the washcloths on the sting site and rotate out with a fresh one as needed. This way you’ll provide the same level of relief without causing any rebound symptoms or potential frostbite to the skin.

Myth #5: Antihistamines are useful after a scorpion sting.

Scorpion venom rarely produces a severe allergic reaction. Unless you have a severe allergic reaction, Benadryl and other antihistamines are of limited benefit in reducing the neurotoxic effects from a scorpion sting.

5 facts about scorpion stings

Fact #1: Scorpions are venomous.

All scorpions are indeed venomous, though their venom varies greatly in potency. This means that if you’re stung by a scorpion other than the bark scorpion, the symptoms will likely only include localized pain and discomfort that should resolve within an hour or two.

Fact #2: Scorpions glow in the dark.

Scorpions contain a hyaline layer in their exoskeleton that reflects certain wavelengths of the ultraviolet (UV) light spectrum. Though not completely understood why, it’s believed this allows the scorpions to either “see” their surroundings or perhaps attract their insect prey. Even fossils of ancient scorpions are still fluorescent under UV lights. Pretty cool!

Fact #3: Severe bark scorpion stings can be treated with antivenom.

There is an approved antivenom for severe bark scorpion-related symptoms, although most adults who seek treatment for scorpion stings don’t meet the indication threshold. Most adults can be treated with strong pain relievers and sedatives to help tolerate symptoms when they’re at their most intense—roughly the first six hours.

The antivenom is generally reserved for severe symptoms in the pediatric population. It is very effective in reversing these symptoms, and children can generally be discharged to home after antivenom administration.

Fact #4: Symptoms from a scorpion sting usually last about three days.

For most patients, the majority of symptoms will be clear within the first six hours. After six hours, it’s unusual to see any new or worse symptoms. It can take up to 48 to 72 hours for those symptoms to significantly resolve, though in very rare instances, some patients report persistent symptoms for weeks to months afterward.

Fact #5: Typical symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling.

Patients often describe a burning pain at the presumed sting site. The venom attacks the nerve endings causing them to fire improperly, which can cause numbness and tingling around the site. The venom doesn’t travel in the bloodstream though, so it doesn’t affect your brain, heart or lungs. As the symptoms worsen, patients will describe muscle twitching or spasms, sometimes involving the tongue, and altered taste sensation or even a lump in their throat when swallowing.

Kids can have it the worst though. They can have severe muscle spasms and cramps and increased salivation to the extent that it becomes a choking hazard in the very young. Fortunately, in all these scenarios, there are different treatment strategies offered in an urgent care or emergency department that can address all these more serious cases of a scorpion sting.

In general, it’s good to remember that scorpions aren’t out to get you. They are really harmless unless provoked, so it’s important to follow these precautions:

• Shake clothes and shoes before putting them on
• Wear shoes, particularly when scorpions are active at night
• Put on gloves when you are working in the yard
• Keep grass closely mowed and prune back bushes and overhanging tree branches

Here are other helpful tips to fight off scorpions and other critters.

In the rare chance a scorpion stings you and you begin to experience severe symptoms and/or an allergic reaction, please visit your nearest urgent care or emergency department or call the Poison Control at 800-222-1222 (available 24 hours a day).

To find a Banner Health location near you, visit bannerhealth.com.

For additional information on scorpions, snakes and other creepy critters, check out these related articles:

• Bad Bug Bite? When You Should See a Doctor
• 6 Tips to Get Your Family Ready to Camp
• Scorpions to Snakes: Here’s What Not to Do if Stung or Bitten

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Who has the worst sting in the world?

August 15, 2016

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Image credit: MYN/Gil Wizen/naturepl.com

Many creatures use the stinger to hurt enemies and inject poison, but they look like innocent babies compared to the monsters columnist BBC Earth talks about Ella Davis.

The sting is one of the most cruel inventions of nature.

To begin with, it hurts, stabbing into flesh like a sharp lance. But the stinger is also a chemical weapon that injects a dose of toxins directly into the bloodstream.

Whose sting is more terrible than all other stings; which animal should be avoided at all costs?

• The most poisonous creature on the planet Earth
• Folk remedy for snakebite – another myth?
• How a bee attack saved a dying woman’s life

This question is more complicated than it might seem at first glance. You can think about who stings the hardest, or about whose poison is the most toxic or the most deadly – and this is not the same thing.

Let’s start with the pain. It is easy to check who stings the most painfully: you just have to allow yourself to be stung.

Photo copyright, Martin Dohm/naturepl. com

Photo caption,

Bullet ant (Paraponera clavata)

In his famous experiment, entomologist Justin Schmidt allowed a multitude of insects to sting him in the name of science and developed his own pain index with heartbreaking descriptions of the sensations from the sting of each of them.

The unfortunate inhabitants of Central and South America will probably agree with Schmidt that the sting of the bullet ant hurts the most. The very name of this insect is associated with the pain of a gunshot wound.

And the most generous portion of poison – 2.5 milligrams – is injected into its prey by the road wasp of the genus Pepsis. However, Schmidt claims that the sting is “essentially non-toxic, just painful.”

Ants of the species Pogonomyrmex Maricopa, on the other hand, possess perhaps the most powerful venom of all stinging insects. Each ant has very little poison, but they live in colonies of 10 thousand insects, ready to repel any threat together, which can be very dangerous.

This is important to understand: stinging insects not only cause pain, but can also be a threat to life and health. In particular, scorpions are known for their dangerous stingers.

Photo copyright, Daniel HEUCLIN/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

Yellow scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)

Scorpions have one of the most terrifying-looking stings: the last segment of the tail, the telson, ends in a needle and a pair of venom glands .

However, scorpion specialist Lorenzo Prendini of the American Museum of Natural History claims that of the 2,000 known species of scorpions, only about 20 have “medical significance”, that is, they pose a threat to human life.

All but one of these dangerous scorpions belong to the butid family, whose representatives live in different parts of the world: from Mexico to Brazil and from southern Africa to India. However, the most terrible of them are concentrated in a kind of “hot spot”.

“There are many very poisonous species in North America and the Middle East,” says Prendini. .crassicauda)”.

The yellow scorpion is also known as the “death hunter” and androctonus means “killer”. And this is not an exaggeration.

Photo copyright, MYN/Gil Wizen/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

Androctonus bicolor

Southern autoctonus is a fearless creature that does not burrow, but hides in cracks, including in the walls of village houses.

This scorpion can grow up to 10 centimeters in length, and its venom contains powerful toxins that affect the nervous system.

“The consequences of poisoning with scorpion venom depend on the amount of poison that has entered the body and the degree of its toxicity – the strength of the effect at the cellular level,” says Prendini.

“Thus, a larger scorpion whose venom contains less potent toxins, but which is capable of injecting more venom into its prey – such as A. australis or Parabuthus granulatus – may pose a more serious threat to life than a small scorpion with a more potent poison, but in smaller doses, such as Leiurus quinquestriatus.

Most healthy adults can survive being stung by a scorpion, but only if they receive proper medical attention, including an antidote.

“Most deaths from scorpion poisoning occur in young children, the elderly or the sick,” says Prendini.

“The majority of scorpion attacks occur in rural areas populated by the poor and located close to the habitat of scorpions.”

Partly because death by scorpion sting most often occurs in remote places, the available data on such cases cannot be considered completely reliable. The same applies to the most dangerous stinging inhabitants of the oceans.

Photo author, Visuals Unlimited/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

Bulldog ant (Myrmecia piliventris) stings its prey

Jellyfish and their relatives use stinging cells called nematocysts to hunt prey and protect themselves.

These specialized cellular structures act like tiny harpoons. Some of them, piercing into the flesh, carry a poisonous charge, aimed primarily at slowing down the movements of fast-swimming prey, such as fish.

Of the 2000 species of jellyfish known to science, only 10-15 species pose a threat to human life.

But their close relatives, box jellyfish, which, despite such a similar name, belong to a different group, can be really dangerous.

The largest of them is the sea wasp, or the Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), which can weigh up to a kilogram. Its numerous three-meter tentacles are studded with hundreds of poisonous needles that affect muscle and nerve tissue.

Photo copyright, Aflo/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

North Sea compass jellyfish (Chrysaora melanaster)

“C. fleckeri is responsible for most deaths from jellyfish stings in Australia, while other Chironex species are responsible for the killings elsewhere,” explains jellyfish connoisseur Lisa-Anne Gershwin of an Australian federal science agency called the National Association for Scientific and Applied Research.

In particular, if you measure the danger of a sting by the speed of death, the Australian box jellyfish will lead this hit parade.

“C. fleckeri is considered the most poisonous animal in the world,” says Gershwin. “[Its victims] die in just two minutes. And not in some cases, but very often.”

“Death occurs as a result of blocking the heart muscle in a contracted state,” she adds. “After that, survival is unlikely – you cannot further compress what is already compressed. So the whole safety precautions come down to avoiding a bite and immediately holding the victim cardiopulmonary resuscitation.”

Another name that comes up in conversations about deadly box jellyfish is the Irukandji jellyfish.

Photo copyright, Jurgen Freund/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

Irukandji jellyfish (Carukia barnesi) coast of the country, where the bite of this creature was first recorded in the 1950s.

But experts now recognize about 25 species of jellyfish in the order Carybdeidae – all of which have a terrifying ability to sting their victims and are found all over the world.

The smallest of them has a bell size of only one centimeter, but at each corner they have tentacles that can reach a hundred times the length of their entire body.

The poison released by the stinging cells located on both the tentacles and the bell disrupts the natural processes necessary for life.

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Unlike other jellyfish stings, symptoms are not immediately noticeable. “Irukandji syndrome” begins to appear after 20-30 minutes: the victim has back pain, nausea, muscle spasms and a feeling of inevitable disaster, and a heart attack is also possible due to a sharp increase in blood pressure.

“The most common Irukandji stings are Carukia barnesi – these jellyfish are just swarming,” Gershwin clarifies. poison.”

Compared to the Australian box jellyfish, the Irukandji’s venom is “much more potent for the same volume,” but Gershwin says the chance of death from an Irukandji sting is lower if treated promptly.

However, it should be noted that Irukandji bites do not leave any marks, so it is possible that the number of reports of these encounters with invisible killers is less than the number of cases themselves.

At the same time, since 1883, 68 people have died in the waters of Australia from the bite of an Australian box jellyfish.

Photo copyright, NAture Production/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

Japanese giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia japonica)

However, not so many people die from jellyfish stings today, thanks to awareness of the seasonal occurrence of dangerous jellyfish and improved treatment .

Therefore, in search of stinging animals responsible for the massacres, we will have to return to land.

The Asian giant hornet, the world’s largest stinging insect, has been nicknamed the “hell hornet”.

In Japan, 30-50 people die every year from the bite of a giant hornet, which causes severe swelling.

In the Chinese city of Ankang in 2013, as a result of a seasonal increase in the number of hornets, 41 people died in three months.

At least at first glance, it seems that these insects overtake other species in terms of the number of victims. However, an important caveat must be made: the number of deaths as a result of the attack of scorpions and box jellyfish is not well documented, that is, a direct comparison is incorrect.

However, it is possible that the deadliest sting comes from those whom we probably could not do without.

Schmidt claims that the species that poses the greatest danger – or at least deserves the most respect – is well known to all of us – honey bees.

Photo copyright, Simon Colmer/naturepl. com

Photo caption,

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) live in colonies

All these bees belong to the genus Apis. European honey bees (A. mellifera) are well known to many in Europe and North America, while giant bees (A. dorsata) are more common in Asia.

“The honey bees A. mellifera and A. dorsata have large amounts of potent venom, attack by the thousands and are quite aggressive,” writes Schmidt.

For most people, a single bee sting causes just local pain and swelling. However, the stinging bee releases an alarming pheromone, which is a signal to attack for its relatives.

However, for the onset of a fatal outcome, there must be a lot of bites. According to Schmidt, in most cases, “with less than 500 bites, the risk of serious intoxication is low.”

Of course, it’s very unpleasant to be stung by a few hundred bees, but most of us won’t die from it.

At the same time, there are several factors that make honey bee stings the most deadly.

Photo credit, Tim Martin/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

African killer bee (Apis mellifera)

First of all, because of human love for honey, honey bees have spread all over the world. Among other things, this means that a person often comes into contact with them, thereby increasing the likelihood of an attack.

Secondly, some honey bees are particularly aggressive.

Domesticated bees are bred to be obedient to their owners, but wild honey bees in Africa are much more likely to attack predators en masse.

In the 20th century, they were introduced to South America and during this time they spread north, where they are called “killer bees”.

Over several decades, killer bees sent hundreds of people to the next world. However, they only attack if they believe that someone is threatening their hive.

Photo copyright, Visuals Unlimited, Inc/naturepl.com

Photo caption,

European honey bee (Apis mellifera)

If left alone, they will almost certainly leave you alone.

Finally, a single bite can be fatal if you develop an allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, causing rapid development of edema, resulting in tissue damage and difficulty breathing.

The most severe reaction, which is called anaphylactic shock, can cause asphyxia, especially in the presence of a disease such as asthma.

A similar reaction can occur with an ant, hornet or jellyfish sting, but cases of bee stings with anaphylactic shock are recorded more often.

Fortunately, anaphylaxis is not very common. For example, less than three people a year die from bee stings in the UK, while in the US the number is about 55.

Read the original English version of this article at BBC Earth .

Who has the worst sting in the world?

BBCRussian.com

15 August 2016, 19:03

Many living creatures use a sting to hurt enemies and inject poison, but they will seem innocent babies compared to the monsters that BBC Earth columnist Ella talks about Davis.

© BBCRussian.com

The sting is one of nature’s cruelest inventions.

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To begin with, it hurts, piercing into the flesh like a sharp lance. But the stinger is also a chemical weapon that injects a dose of toxins directly into the bloodstream.

Whose sting is more terrible than all other stings; which animal should be avoided at all costs?

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This question is more complicated than it might seem at first glance. You can think about who stings the hardest, or about whose poison is the most toxic or the most deadly – and this is not the same thing.

Let’s start with pain. It is easy to check who stings the most painfully: you just have to allow yourself to be stung.

As part of his famous experiment, entomologist Justin Schmidt allowed a multitude of insects to sting him in the name of science and developed his own pain index, with harrowing descriptions of how each one stinged.

The unfortunate inhabitants of Central and South America would probably agree with Schmidt that the sting of the bullet ant hurts the most. The very name of this insect is associated with the pain of a gunshot wound.

The ant has very little poison, but they live in colonies of 10 thousand insects

And the most generous portion of poison – 2.5 milligrams – is injected into its prey by the road wasp of the genus Pepsis. However, Schmidt claims that the sting is “essentially non-toxic, just painful.”

Ants of the species Pogonomyrmex Maricopa, on the other hand, have perhaps the most powerful venom of all stinging insects. Each ant has very little poison, but they live in colonies of 10 thousand insects, ready to repel any threat together, which can be very dangerous.

This is important to understand: stinging insects not only cause pain, but can also be a threat to life and health. In particular, scorpions are known for their dangerous stingers.

Scorpions have one of the most frightening-looking stings: the last segment of the tail, the telson, ends in a needle and a pair of poisonous glands.

However, scorpion specialist Lorenzo Prendini of the American Museum of Natural History claims that of the 2,000 known species of scorpions, only about 20 have “medical significance”, that is, they pose a threat to human life.

The yellow scorpion is known as the “death hunter” and androctonus means “man-killer”

All but one of these dangerous scorpions belong to the butid family, whose representatives live in different parts of the world, from Mexico to Brazil and from southern Africa to India . However, the most terrible of them are concentrated in a kind of “hot spot”.

“There are many very poisonous species in North America and the Middle East,” says Prendini. .crassicauda)”.

The yellow scorpion is also known as the “death hunter” and androctonus means “killer”. And this is not an exaggeration.

Southern Autoctonus – a fearless creature that does not dig holes, but hides in cracks, including in the walls of village houses.

This scorpion can grow up to 10 centimeters in length, and its venom contains powerful toxins that affect the nervous system.

“The consequences of poisoning with scorpion venom depend on the amount of poison that has entered the body and the degree of its toxicity – the strength of the effect at the cellular level,” Prendini specifies.

“Thus, a larger scorpion whose venom contains less potent toxins, but which is able to inject more venom into its prey – such as A. australis or Parabuthus granulatus – may pose a more serious threat to life than a small scorpion with a more potent poison, but in smaller doses, such as Leiurus quinquestriatus.

Of the 2000 species of jellyfish known to science, only 10-15 species pose a threat to human life

Most healthy adults are able to survive after being stung by a scorpion, but only if qualified medical care is provided, including receiving an antidote.

“Most deaths from scorpion poisoning occur in young children, the elderly or the sick,” says Prendini.

“The bulk of scorpion attacks occur in rural areas populated by the poor and located close to the habitat of scorpions. ”

Partly because death by scorpion sting most often occurs in remote places, the available data on such cases cannot be considered completely reliable. The same applies to the most dangerous stinging inhabitants of the oceans.

Jellyfish and their relatives use stinging cells called nematocysts for hunting prey and self-defense.

These specialized cellular structures act like tiny harpoons. Some of them, piercing into the flesh, carry a poisonous charge, aimed primarily at slowing down the movements of fast-swimming prey, such as fish.

Of the 2000 species of jellyfish known to science, only 10-15 species pose a threat to human life.

C. fleckeri is responsible for the majority of deaths from jellyfish stings in Australia

But their close relatives of box jellyfish, which, despite such a similar name, belong to a different group, can be really dangerous.

The largest of them is the sea wasp, or the Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri), which can weigh up to a kilogram. Its numerous three-meter tentacles are studded with hundreds of poisonous needles that affect muscle and nerve tissue.

“C. fleckeri is responsible for the majority of deaths from jellyfish stings in Australia, while other Chironex species are responsible for the killings elsewhere,” explains jellyfish expert Lisa-Anne Gershwin of the Australian federal scientific agency called the National Association for Scientific and Applied Research. .

In particular, if you measure the danger of a sting by the speed of death, the Australian box jellyfish will lead this hit parade.

They have a tentacle on each corner that can be a hundred times the length of their entire body

“C. fleckeri is considered the most poisonous animal in the world,” says Gershwin.

“Death occurs as a result of blocking the heart muscle in a contracted state,” she adds. “After that, survival is unlikely – you cannot further compress what is already compressed. So the whole safety precautions come down to avoiding a bite and immediately holding the victim cardiopulmonary resuscitation. ”

Another name that comes up in conversations about deadly box jellyfish is the Irukandji jellyfish.

Until recently, it was believed that there was only one species of jellyfish, the Irukandji, named after the Indigenous Australians living along the northeast coast of the country, where the bite of this creature was first recorded in the 1950s.

But experts now recognize about 25 species of jellyfish in the order Carybdeidae – all of which have a terrifying ability to sting their victims and are found all over the world.

The smallest of them has a bell size of only one centimeter, but at each corner they have tentacles that can reach a hundred times the length of their entire body.

The poison released by the stinging cells located on both the tentacles and the bell disrupts the natural processes necessary for life.

Irukandji bites leave no marks, so there may be fewer reports of these fatal encounters than the number of cases themselves

Unlike other jellyfish stings, the symptoms in this case are not immediately noticeable. “Irukandji syndrome” begins to appear after 20-30 minutes: the victim has back pain, nausea, muscle spasms and a feeling of inevitable disaster, and a heart attack is also possible due to a sharp increase in blood pressure.

“The most common Irukandji stings are Carukia barnesi – these jellyfish are just swarming,” Gershwin clarifies. poison.”

Compared to the Australian box jellyfish, the Irukandji’s venom is “much more potent for the same volume,” but Gershwin says the chance of death from an Irukandji sting is lower if treated promptly.

However, it should be noted that Irukandji bites do not leave any marks, so it is possible that the number of reports of these encounters with invisible killers is less than the number of cases themselves.

At the same time, since 1883, 68 people have died in the waters of Australia from the bite of an Australian box jellyfish.

However, today not many people die from a jellyfish sting – thanks to the information about the seasonal appearance of dangerous jellyfish and the improvement of the quality of treatment.

Therefore, in search of the stinging animals responsible for the massacres, we will have to return to land.

The Asian giant hornet is the world’s largest stinging insect and is nicknamed the “hell hornet”.

In Japan, 30-50 people die every year from the bite of a giant hornet, which causes severe swelling.

Honey bees… have a large amount of powerful poison, attack by the thousands and are very aggressive

In the Chinese city of Ankang in 2013, as a result of a seasonal increase in the number of hornets, 41 people died in three months.

At least at first glance, it seems that these insects overtake other species in terms of the number of victims. However, an important caveat must be made: the number of deaths as a result of the attack of scorpions and box jellyfish is not well documented, that is, a direct comparison is incorrect.

However, it is possible that the most deadly sting belongs to those without whom we, perhaps, could not do without.

Schmidt claims that the species that poses the greatest danger – or at least deserves the most respect – is well known to all of us – honey bees.

All these bees belong to the genus Apis. European honey bees (A. mellifera) are well known to many in Europe and North America, while giant bees (A. dorsata) are more common in Asia.

“The honey bees A. mellifera and A. dorsata have large amounts of potent venom, attack by the thousands and are quite aggressive,” writes Schmidt.

With fewer than 500 stings, the risk of serious intoxication is low.

For most people, a single bee sting simply causes local pain and swelling. However, the stinging bee releases an alarming pheromone, which is a signal to attack for its relatives.

However, for the onset of a fatal outcome, there must be a lot of bites. According to Schmidt, in most cases, “with less than 500 bites, the risk of serious intoxication is low.”

Of course, it’s very unpleasant to be stung by a few hundred bees, but most of us won’t die from it.

At the same time, there are several factors that make honey bee stings the most deadly.

First, because of the love of man for honey, honey bees have spread throughout the world. Among other things, this means that a person often comes into contact with them, thereby increasing the likelihood of an attack.

Secondly, some honey bees are particularly aggressive.

Over several decades, killer bees have sent hundreds of people to the next world

Domesticated bees are brought up in obedience to their owners, but in Africa, wild honey bees are much more likely to attack predators en masse.

In the 20th century, they were introduced to South America and during this time they spread north, where they are called “killer bees”.

Over several decades, killer bees sent hundreds of people to the next world. However, they only attack if they believe that someone is threatening their hive.

If you leave them alone, they will almost certainly leave you alone.