Most people would steer clear of any snakes or over-sized spiders that crossed our paths. We have a sort of logic when it comes to animals that tells us “Bigger = Deadlier.” And in the case, say, a King Cobraversus a garden snake, that argument checks out.
But more often, you will often find that the opposite is true. Many animals make up for their small size with deadly venom, and so what may look like a regular snail could actually be your final downfall. Below are ten tiny, but incredibly deadly, animals.
10. Sonoran Coralsnake
These snakes, related to cobras, are found in the deserts of Mexico and the Southern US. While they can grow to about two feet, they usually don’t, and are much smaller and skinnier than most other snakes. As if they’re not hard enough to see, due to their size, they tend to be nocturnal.
Lucky for us, they prefer to indulge in cannibalism, snacking almost exclusively on other snakes. But if you do decide to pick one up and play with it, beware: their venom is a powerful neurotoxin that can paralyze your central nervous system.
9. Blue Ringed Octopus
Try to forget about starting another grammar war over whether it’s “octopuses” or “octopi,” and try to focus on how this thing will straight-up kill you. The Blue Ringed Octopus can be found in the waters aroundAustralia, and measure up to a whopping 4 inches in size. Usually it is a brown or yellow color but, when frightened, its blue rings will light up all over its body.
However, as pretty as it is, do not touch! The tiny critter has an incurable venom toxic enough to kill 26 adults humans in a matter of minutes.
8. Brazilian Wandering Spider
So called because they hunt prey, as opposed to spinning webs, the Brazilian Wandering Spider has been recognized since 2007 as the spider with the most powerful venom in the world, and the one responsible for the most human deaths. Most victims will die within an hour of being bitten.
The spider, which can grow to have a leg span of 4 inches, is also known as the banana spider, as it tends to hide inside between bunches of bananas and then jump out at their prey. In 2008, one was found in a crate of bananas in Britain. It was caught with a pencil, since that’s logically the best tool to approach the most dangerous spider alive with, before humanely putting them. By that, we naturally mean “blow them up as violently as possible.”
7. Deathstalker Scorpion
Deathstalker scorpions are mainly found throughout Africa and Asia in mainly dry, desert habitats, measuring up to 4 inches, but usually around 2. They are considered to contain among the most powerful and painful scorpion venom in the world, which can cause fever, convulsions, paralysis and death.
When it comes to scorpions in general, the smaller the pincer, the more powerful the venom. While many people would probably assume the opposite, this is because those with large pincers can rely on the force of their bite to get their message across, while those with small ones need toxins to defend themselves.
6. Tarantula Hawk
Actually a type of wasp, there are 15 species of tarantula hawks in North America, and they can grow to be about 2 inches long. They are so called because they hunt tarantulas, stinging and paralyzing them. The Tarantula hawk will then lay eggs in the spider, and bury it alive. When the eggs hatch, they will eat the spider alive for 35 days.
So unless you’re a tarantula, that’s not something you need to worry about. But that doesn’t mean you have nothing to worry about, since its venomous sting is meant to be the second-most painful sting in the animal kingdom.