15 Venomous Varmints
15 Venomous Varmints
From the tiny shrew, to the giant komodo dragon, these are 15 Venomous Varmints !
Southern Short-Tailed Shrew - Didn’t know this little critter was venomous? The shrew has grooved incisors it uses to deliver venom that’s strong enough to take out 200 mice. The good news is, that wouldn’t kill a human … but it would be painful, and cause swelling along with muscle problems. Two other Shrews also carry similar venom … the Northern Short-Tailed Shrew and the Water Shrew. All three are known for their venomous saliva, and belong to a small group of venomous mammals.
Gila (hee-lah) Monster -- This is the only venomous lizard that’s native to the US … It’s found in the southwestern area of the country and in northwestern Mexico. While the Gila Monster’s neurotoxic venom is comparably toxic to that of a coral snake, only a small amount of venom is produced. A bite from this animal isn’t fatal to humans but it can cause hemorrhaging, a drop in blood pressure, and severe pain. You’d likely need up 5 days to recover.
Duck-Billed Platypus -- Some people think the platypus looks funny … but there’s nothing funny about its venom. It’s kept in the ankle spurs of the male animal’s hind legs … and it’s strong enough to kill a small dog. The venom isn’t lethal to humans, but it can cause such excruciating pain that the victim could be incapacitated for weeks. If you get bitten by a platypus, just hope it’s a female …the venom is only carried by the males. As a venomous mammal, the Platypus belongs to a club with very few members!
Catfish -- Most species of catfish possess strong, bony hollow spines that project outward like fin rays, and can inflict serious wounds. But certain species use those fin rays as a means to deliver a stinging protein if the fish feels threatened or irritated. The venom can be potent enough to hospitalize human victims unfortunate enough to receive a sting!
Komodo Dragon -- This is the largest species of lizard exiting, growing up to 10 feet long and can weigh up to 150 pounds. You wouldn’t imagine a creature as fearsome as this would pack a venomous punch … why would it need to? But in 2009, Australian biologist Bryan Fry uncovered evidence that the Komodo Dragon actually secretes venom from glands in its mouth. Prior to this it was thought the animal’s bite transferred bacteria that infected it’s prey, then caused it to collapse days several later, whereupon the dragon would feast. While the subject is still debated, Komodo Dragon venom is believed to contain compounds similar to to that of the Inland Taipan, which can cause shock and a rapid drop in blood pressure.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake -- The heaviest venomous snake in the Americas is also the largest rattlesnake … and is reputedly North America’s most dangerous venomous snake. Not surprising, given its high venom yield ... up to 1000 milligrams. An estimated lethal human dose measures 100 to 150 milligrams. Effects of the venom include severe pain, hemorrhaging, and cardiac failure.
Indian Red Scorpion -- As you might expect, this creature is found in India ,,, but also in areas of Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It’s ranked as one of the world’s most lethal scorpions, with its venom mainly affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Symptoms include severe pain, shock, vomiting and hypertension. Fatality rates up to 40% have been reported.
Solenodon -- Another member of the select Venomous Mammals club! These little creatures can trace their lineage back some 30 million years when their ancestors roamed North America. Today, two species remain, living in Cuba and the island of Hispaniola. While these little guys are cute to look at, they’re actually one of the few venomous mammals existing. The solenodon injects its venom through modified teeth, not unlike a snake. Their venom is also similar to snake venom. Symptoms of a solenodon bite include respiratory difficulty, convulsions and paralysis. Did you know the name “solenodon” comes from the Greek meaning “grooved tooth”?
Bullet Ant -- These insects comprise the largest species of ant species, growing up to 1 inch long. That makes them more than four times bigger than many other ant species. They’re found in tropical forests of Honduras, Paraguay and Nicaragua. And they’re called Bullet Ants for a reason. The name refers to their sharp, painful -- and venom-filled -- sting .. which some have described as painful as being shot. Bullet Ants are also called the 24-hour ant, because that’s how long the excruciating pain can last after receiving a sting. Victims are left worn out, swollen and weakened.
...
From the tiny shrew, to the giant komodo dragon, these are 15 Venomous Varmints !
Southern Short-Tailed Shrew - Didn’t know this little critter was venomous? The shrew has grooved incisors it uses to deliver venom that’s strong enough to take out 200 mice. The good news is, that wouldn’t kill a human … but it would be painful, and cause swelling along with muscle problems. Two other Shrews also carry similar venom … the Northern Short-Tailed Shrew and the Water Shrew. All three are known for their venomous saliva, and belong to a small group of venomous mammals.
Gila (hee-lah) Monster -- This is the only venomous lizard that’s native to the US … It’s found in the southwestern area of the country and in northwestern Mexico. While the Gila Monster’s neurotoxic venom is comparably toxic to that of a coral snake, only a small amount of venom is produced. A bite from this animal isn’t fatal to humans but it can cause hemorrhaging, a drop in blood pressure, and severe pain. You’d likely need up 5 days to recover.
Duck-Billed Platypus -- Some people think the platypus looks funny … but there’s nothing funny about its venom. It’s kept in the ankle spurs of the male animal’s hind legs … and it’s strong enough to kill a small dog. The venom isn’t lethal to humans, but it can cause such excruciating pain that the victim could be incapacitated for weeks. If you get bitten by a platypus, just hope it’s a female …the venom is only carried by the males. As a venomous mammal, the Platypus belongs to a club with very few members!
Catfish -- Most species of catfish possess strong, bony hollow spines that project outward like fin rays, and can inflict serious wounds. But certain species use those fin rays as a means to deliver a stinging protein if the fish feels threatened or irritated. The venom can be potent enough to hospitalize human victims unfortunate enough to receive a sting!
Komodo Dragon -- This is the largest species of lizard exiting, growing up to 10 feet long and can weigh up to 150 pounds. You wouldn’t imagine a creature as fearsome as this would pack a venomous punch … why would it need to? But in 2009, Australian biologist Bryan Fry uncovered evidence that the Komodo Dragon actually secretes venom from glands in its mouth. Prior to this it was thought the animal’s bite transferred bacteria that infected it’s prey, then caused it to collapse days several later, whereupon the dragon would feast. While the subject is still debated, Komodo Dragon venom is believed to contain compounds similar to to that of the Inland Taipan, which can cause shock and a rapid drop in blood pressure.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake -- The heaviest venomous snake in the Americas is also the largest rattlesnake … and is reputedly North America’s most dangerous venomous snake. Not surprising, given its high venom yield ... up to 1000 milligrams. An estimated lethal human dose measures 100 to 150 milligrams. Effects of the venom include severe pain, hemorrhaging, and cardiac failure.
Indian Red Scorpion -- As you might expect, this creature is found in India ,,, but also in areas of Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It’s ranked as one of the world’s most lethal scorpions, with its venom mainly affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Symptoms include severe pain, shock, vomiting and hypertension. Fatality rates up to 40% have been reported.
Solenodon -- Another member of the select Venomous Mammals club! These little creatures can trace their lineage back some 30 million years when their ancestors roamed North America. Today, two species remain, living in Cuba and the island of Hispaniola. While these little guys are cute to look at, they’re actually one of the few venomous mammals existing. The solenodon injects its venom through modified teeth, not unlike a snake. Their venom is also similar to snake venom. Symptoms of a solenodon bite include respiratory difficulty, convulsions and paralysis. Did you know the name “solenodon” comes from the Greek meaning “grooved tooth”?
Bullet Ant -- These insects comprise the largest species of ant species, growing up to 1 inch long. That makes them more than four times bigger than many other ant species. They’re found in tropical forests of Honduras, Paraguay and Nicaragua. And they’re called Bullet Ants for a reason. The name refers to their sharp, painful -- and venom-filled -- sting .. which some have described as painful as being shot. Bullet Ants are also called the 24-hour ant, because that’s how long the excruciating pain can last after receiving a sting. Victims are left worn out, swollen and weakened.
...
0 comments for "15 Venomous Varmints "