Different Types of Poisonous Bugs

There are many different types of poisonous bugs. Some of these insects are commonly found in every habitat, even human ones. You don’t need a degree in etymology to be able to spot a poisonous bug, only a sharp eye.

Ants

Fire ants and harvester ants are two types of ants that contain venom that can be particularly painful. They both look very similar in color and size and they both have the same attack pattern. They grab prey with their mandibles and hold it while they repeatedly inject venom through a stinger into the victim. They usually attack in a large group so the victim will have hundreds of stings.

Honey Bees, Hornets and Wasps

Honey bees are brownish or black with golden yellow stripes on its fuzzy body. Wasps have long thin bodies and wings. Both insects produce venom that is very dangerous to people who have allergies to the venom. The venom can cause anaphylactic shock, coma, and even death to a person that is allergic. While these insects are generally docile, the Africanized honey bees, or killer bees, attack in groups and will sting repeatedly.

Spiders

The most common venomous spiders are black widow spiders and brown recluse spiders. The black widow spiders are black and shiny and the females will have a red hourglass shape on its abdomen and the male will have brown spots. The brown recluse spiders are light brown and will have a wide rear end, a smaller abdomen, and a tiny head with a black streak on it. The most unique attribute of a brown recluse is that it only has six eyes whereas most arachnids have eight eyes. Both species have been known to cause death to their victims.

Caterpillars and Centipedes

Centipedes and caterpillars are not deadly but their venom does produce a great amount of discomfort. Centipedes have a flat, reddish brown body with legs that protrude outward. Caterpillars appear fuzzy or hairy but are really covered with spines that contain venom. Do not touch either of these insects.

Black Beetles

Black beetles are long, thin, and black. They are also known as blister beetles because their venom causes blisters on the skin. They are fatal to livestock because if ingested, the venom will blister the esophagus and the animal can die from infections and bleeding.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are not poisonous, but they have been named as one of the most deadly insects. They carry many diseases such as malaria and yellow fever from one person to another when they feed. It is the female that feeds from humans and animals because they are equipped with a long tube called a proboscis that can pierce skin and suck up blood. It is during this process where disease is transmitted. The male does not possess such equipment and primarily feeds on nectar and other sugar sources.

There is many poisonous insect species. There are also insects that mimic the poisonous ones but are not poisonous. If you cannot identify an insect on sight, the best thing to do is to not try to handle it.