The Most Dangerous Wasp and 9 Other Stingers to Avoid

Nicole Antonio
·6-min read

When it comes to stinging insects, wasps are some of the most feared creatures out there. Unlike honeybees, which can only sting once, most wasps can sting multiple times, injecting painful venom with each strike.

It doesn't even take the most dangerous wasp in the world for an excruciating sting to cause severe allergic reactions or even lead to fatalities. Whether you're dealing with aggressive colonies of social wasps or powerful solitary wasps, these insects pack a punch with their venomous stings.

1. Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia)

Known as the "murder hornet," the Asian giant hornet is infamous for its incredibly painful sting and the fact that it can be deadly.

Found primarily in East Asia, these striking black and orange hornets have large, barbed stingers capable of injecting a potent venom that can cause organ damage and, in some cases, death.

Asian giant hornets' stings are especially dangerous for those with allergic reactions, and their venom can destroy red blood cells. A single sting is painful, but multiple stings — often from worker hornets defending their hornet nest — can be fatal.

2. Yellow Jacket (Vespula)

Yellow jackets are some of the most aggressive wasps and are responsible for a large number of stings worldwide. Recognizable by their black and yellow striped bodies and compact, streamlined form, these wasps are quick to defend their nests and can sting multiple times due to their smooth stinger.

Yellow jacket venom causes intense pain. For those who are allergic, even a single sting can result in a severe reaction or death. They're particularly dangerous in late summer and fall when their colonies are largest — and food becomes scarce — making them more defensive and prone to attack.

3. Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis formosa)

The tarantula hawk — a large and striking wasp with a metallic, blue-black body and bright orange wings — is known for delivering one of the most excruciating stings in the insect world. Previously called a "spider wasp," its name was changed to reflect its primary prey: tarantulas.

Adult tarantula hawks primarily feed on nectar, making them effective pollinators, even though they are known for hunting tarantulas to provide food for their young.

The females paralyze tarantulas with their sting, then drag the spider to a burrow and lay an egg on it, ensuring their larvae have a live food source. While their sting is not typically fatal to humans, it is widely considered one of the most painful insect stings on the planet.

4. Paper Wasp (Polistes)

Paper wasps are slender, social wasps, typically with reddish-brown or black bodies and yellow markings. These social wasps build open, umbrella-shaped nests made from a paper-like material, often found under eaves or in sheltered areas.

While generally less aggressive than yellow jackets, paper wasps will sting if they feel their nest is threatened, and their stings can be quite painful. The venom from paper wasp stings can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to swelling, pain and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

5. Warrior Wasp (Synoeca)

Warrior wasps, recognizable by their dark blue and metallic bodies, are notorious for their intense sting and aggressive defense tactics.

They earn their name from the drumming sound they make, rhythmically beating their abdomens in unison to warn potential threats — a behavior as intimidating as it is unique.

Their sting is often compared to that of a bullet ant, delivering extreme pain, burning and swelling. Able to sting multiple times, warrior wasps inject venom that can cause prolonged discomfort, making them one of the most feared stinging insects.

6. Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)

Despite their name, bald-faced hornets are actually a type of yellow jacket. These striking wasps are black with distinctive white markings on their face and abdomen, giving them their "bald-faced" appearance.

Known for their aggressive nature, these hornets will fiercely defend their large, paper-like nests, often built high in trees.

Their sting is painful, and their venom can cause swelling, itching and even systemic allergic reactions in some people. Unlike bees, bald-faced hornets can sting multiple times, and their swarming defense behavior makes them particularly dangerous in numbers.

7. European Hornet (Vespa crabro)

The European hornet, the largest wasp species native to Europe, is recognizable by its reddish-brown head and thorax, with a black and yellow striped abdomen. Known for its potent sting, it's generally less aggressive than smaller wasp species but will attack if threatened or disturbed near its nest.

European hornets' venom can cause intense pain, swelling and potentially life-threatening reactions in allergic individuals. Interestingly, these hornets are also skilled nighttime foragers, unlike most wasps, which distinguishes from their other wasp relatives.

8. European Paper Wasp (Polistes Dominula)

The European paper wasp is an invasive species in many regions and is known for its aggressive nest defense. Identified by its slender, black-and-yellow striped body, these wasps have a painful sting that delivers venom, often causing swelling and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Unlike many other paper wasps, this species frequently builds nests close to human habitation, such as under eaves and porch ceilings, increasing the likelihood of encounters. They also prey on various insects, making them effective — albeit sometimes unwelcome — pest controllers.

9. Cicada Killer (Sphecius speciosus)

Cicada killers are large, solitary wasps with black bodies, yellow markings and reddish wings, making them both impressive and intimidating in appearance. Though not aggressive, they are capable of delivering a painful sting if provoked.

Their primary prey is cicadas, which they paralyze with venom and drag back to their burrows to feed their larvae — a remarkable display of strength.

Cicada killers are often found around sandy areas where they can dig burrows, and while they rarely sting humans, their large size and striking behavior can be alarming.

10. Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus)

The great black wasp is a large, solitary wasp with a sleek black body and iridescent blue wings, giving it a striking appearance. Known for its powerful sting, this wasp is nonaggressive toward humans but will sting if handled or threatened.

Its venom is primarily used to paralyze katydids, its main prey, which are then brought back to its burrow as food for its larvae. Although its sting isn't as painful as that of some other wasps, it can still cause discomfort and swelling, especially in sensitive individuals.

Wasps vs. Hornets: Differences and Similarities

Wasps and hornets share many similarities as both are part of the Vespidae family. They are both known for their ability to sting multiple times (unlike bees) and they can be aggressive in defending their nests. Both wasps and hornets are predatory and play important roles in controlling pest populations.

However, the main difference lies in classification and appearance: Hornets are a specific type of wasp under the genus Vespa, making them larger and more robust than typical wasps such as yellow jackets and paper wasps. Hornets often have thicker bodies and produce more potent venom, which contributes to a more painful sting.

Additionally, hornets tend to nest higher in trees, while other wasps may use ground burrows or urban locations. Both share defensive behavior, but hornets are generally more aggressive and territorial, making them a greater threat when encountered.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Original article: The Most Dangerous Wasp and 9 Other Stingers to Avoid

Copyright © 2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company

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