Unfortunately, nature not only presents us with wonderful creatures but also with others that are harmful. We might also come into contact with them in supposedly safe areas. Not everyone is aware that even a common ladybug may be hazardous, or that caterpillars can irritate the skin.
However, it is better to be safe than sorry, which is why we chose to bring you about some creatures to avoid.
Ladybug
Ladybugs are mostly harmless. The harlequin ladybug, on the other hand, is dangerous because these creatures may bite you with its powerful teeth, particularly if it’s hungry.
Even if the bite isn’t deadly, it will still cause a bump and perhaps an allergic reaction. Conjunctivitis is the most common response, which occurs when you touch your eyes after touching the insect.
Where they live: Siberia, Kazakhstan, Japan, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Taiwan
Bombardier beetle
Bombardier beetles get their name from the boiling chemical they spew when they feel threatened.
Touching these insects is harmful since it will most likely activate their defensive system, causing the beetle to try to protect itself, resulting in a chemical burn. If the toxin goes into your eyes, it’s worse.
Where they live: Russia and in Southern Eurasia
Beaver
When it’s chilly outside, beavers stay in their burrows, but they occasionally come to hunt for food underwater. They have the potential to be quite aggressive. Beavers will protect their territory if it is threatened. As a result, if you spot a beaver, keep away from it to prevent any bad scenarios.
Where they live: Spain, France, central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia
Tiger mosquito
The white stripes on their body and legs make these creatures clearly identifiable. They’re hazardous because they spread the Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses.
Where they live: Asia, North America, and Hawaii
Common backswimmer
Although common backswimmers may not appear to be hazardous, you should not underestimate them or approach them. These creatures can still puncture the skin with their nostrils, though it doesn’t happen very often.
Where they live: Europe and Russia
Amphipoda
These sea fleas don’t bite very often, but once they do, it usually results in a severe rash and irritation of the skin. They are found along the coast and on seaweed.
Where they live: almost all freshwater bodies, seas, and oceans. They live in underground waters as well. They are also be found in Ukraine and Western Europe.
Caspian whipsnake
Although Caspian whipsnakes are not poisonous, they are quite aggressive. It is getting ready to jump when it starts moving in circles. Its target is always the neck or the face.
Where they live: South and South-Eastern Europe and Eastern Kazakhstan
Meloe
This is a deadly, non-flying insect. If the chemical it generates comes into contact with your skin, it will cause burns and blisters that take a long time to cure.
Where they live: almost the entire Palearcticregion
Red slug
These slugs can grow to be up to 18 cm long and consume a lot. It can consume nearly anything it comes across, but it also spreads nematodes, parasites that are harmful to both people and animals.
Where they live: Western Europe, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Western Poland, and the Southern parts of the British islands
Diving beetle and its larvae
The larvae are extremely large, measuring up to 5 cm in length, and maybe highly dangerous. It may bite you if you touch it. Beetles may also inflict extremely painful bites. The bite appears to have been penetrated by something sharp. The bitten region will be encircled by a lump that will fade away in approximately 2-3 weeks.
Where they live: Europe, Asia, North Africa
Fire-bellied toad
The body of a fire-bellied toad is covered with intense red, orange, and yellow markings. You should avoid touching them since you could be poisoned by bombesin, a toxin found on their skin. It produces severe itchiness, a fever, and a headache.
Where they live: Europe and areas in Asia with a moderate climate
Browntail moth
Browntail moths and the caterpillars that are most active in the mid of summer have venomous hairs. Any touch with these moths causes a severe rash that can last for weeks. The place where you contact the moth will get red and itchy. These moths love to live in parks with deciduous trees and ripe fruit.
Where they live: Western and Eastern Europe, Asia
Black scorpionfish
Coastal zones are rich with black scorpionfish. They spend most of their time waiting for prey on the rocky bottom.
As big fish reside in the depths, fishermen and divers are the most vulnerable. Do not touch this fish since the spines on their back contain a chemical that causes excruciating pain, and the slime that seeps into the cut will also cause inflammation.
Where they live: the Eastern part of the Atlantic ocean, the Mediterranean sea, and the Black sea
Pine processionary caterpillar
Pine processionary caterpillars are pretty lethal, and you don’t even have to touch them to get hurt. Even if you just come into contact with a location where this creature was and where its hairs were shed, you may get dermatitis, which can cause severe skin irritation and other complications.
Where they live: Europe, North Africa, Middle East, India, and Russia
