Wasp can strike fear in even the bravest hearts. The flying insects move at speeds that are almost impossible to outrun, and are never afraid to attack. They inhabit almost every region of the world, making them tough to hide from. There are a lot of unique variations of the wasp across the world, and here are a few that will make you’re skin crawl.
Polybia Paulista
This creature produces some powerful venom that can do some interesting things. The social wasp Polybia paulista defends itself against predators by producing distinct venom formula features ingredients that can kill cancer cells. The toxin, MP1, specifically targets cancer cells, leaving normal cells untouched. The chemical interacts with lipids that are found on the surface of cancer cells and makes it difficult for the cell to continue functioning. Scientist are planning to do more research on the wasp’s special venom and study whether or not it can be used for clinical purposes.
Japanese Giant Hornet (vespa mandarinia japonica)
The eight unique chemicals created to form the Japanese Giant Hornet’s venom don’t serve to help humans in any fashion; only pain will come from it. The frightening beast has been known to cause severe complications and people are often hospitalized after being stung. Six people died in France last year after being stung after having an extreme allergic reaction. They can grow to be as large as cockroaches and can fly at a top speed of 25 mph, on a daily basis they can travel over 60 miles. Honey production has reached a low in France after an influx from the species, which has been known to destroy a bee colony in under an hour.
Cicada Killer Wasp
You may have spotted this guy outside of your home before. Its possible to mistake them for a very large yellow jacket but these wasps pack a much more powerful punch. Cicada Killer Wasps actively seek out cicadas year round and feed them to their young. Over the winter their offspring will grow and mature into adults, and continue the cycle. The males of this species are not capable of stinging but the females’ can and will if they are provoked.
The Tarantula Hawk
The Schmidt sting pain index ranks the intensity of the pain from insect stings on a scale of one to four. Time and time again one critter has fallen into the very top of the index and has been considered on of the worst bites you can receive by experts. The Trantula Hawk’s sting can result in excruciating pain for three minutes, and those who have been stung say they were couldn’t maintain any sort of coordination during the ordeal. This bug calls Texas home, and typically uses its venom to paralyze tarantulas and pull them into their den. As long as you stay out of their way they won’t attack, they must be provoked.
Megalara Garuda
This frightening species has been called the king of wasps. They’ll been found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, but no researcher has seen one alive. They have long strong jaws that are used to grip the females during mating, and most likely double as a defense device. Researchers plan to continue to visit the island to hopefully observe the insect while its alive.
