The most poisonous insect is considered to be the Maricopa harvester ant, which is native to Arizona. A fully grown Maricopa harvester ant is about 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, and its venom is more toxic than those of bees, wasps, scorpions or snakes. In fact, a person would have to be stung by a honeybee more than 12 times to equal one sting from a Maricopa harvester ant. These ants cling to their prey and inject a venom containing toxins that can destroy tissue. About 350 stings from these ants could be enough to kill a person who weighs 150 pounds (68 kg).
More about poisonous insects:
- The first recorded death caused by a poisonous insect was in the 26th century B.C. King Menes of Egypt was thought to have died as a result of a wasp or hornet sting.
- The Maricopa harvester ant releases a pheromone upon the first sting of its victim, and it alerts other ants to come and attack the victim as well.
- About 96% of deaths related to insect stings are thought to be the result of allergic reactions to the stings, rather than because of the toxicity of the venom.
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