Random Horrifying Animals From Thailand (17 items)

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  (#14) Red Lionfish

  • Pterois volitans

  If anything in nature served as a neon sign warning others not to come too close, it would be the red lionfish, also sometimes called the dragon fish. Red and yellow zebra-like stripes line its body and about 18 fancy dorsal fins convince others to keep their distance. Those fins are highly venomous, harming prey and careless humans. Although the lionfish venom isn't strong enough to kill a healthy human, it can cause extreme pain and nausea. The fish causes the most problems for swimmers, divers, and snorkelers who hang out by the coral and rocks. It can be aggressive when necessary and it moves incredibly quickly.
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  (#2) Asian giant hornet

  • Vespa mandarinia

  Asian giant hornets are appropriately named since they are the largest hornets in the entire world. Members of the wasp family, they live throughout Eastern Asia and can grow to almost two inches long; the queens are even larger. The hornet's stinger does not detach like some other wasp species, so it can sting a victim multiple times. The venom contains around eight chemicals which can cause pain and breathing difficulties. 

  Giant hornets are also very fast, sometimes flying up to 25 miles per hour. Most humans whom die after an attack are allergic to the venom.
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  (#13) Tiger shark

  • Galeocerdo cuvier

  Tiger sharks attack humans almost as much as great whites. These sharks average about 10 feet long, and they have tiger-like banding on the skin. Their blue-green color allows for camouflage in the water; they like to sneak up on prey. Tiger sharks are not picky eaters. They consume license plates, trash bags as well as turtles and other fish. Their excellent senses of smell, sharp teeth, and powerful jaws make them efficient hunters. Tiger sharks crush the hard shells of turtles and clams. Tiger sharks don't normally chase prey, but they tend to stick around after biting humans, unlike great whites who usually swim away.
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  (#11) Leech

  • Hirudinea

  Emerging from the water to find a thirsty leech attached to your body can be horrifying, but in Thailand, you don't even have to go into the water to be attacked. Jawed land leeches can be found throughout Southeast Asia, including on the ground in Thailand's jungles and forests. They have two or three jaws that latch on prey and suck blood. Land leeches detect victims' body heat and attach to people. The leeches are so numerous during certain times of the year that leech socks are available for purchase. Since they resemble plastic leg warmers, these socks aren't the most fashionable accessories but they do prevent leech attacks.
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  (#9) Scorpionfish

  • Scorpaenidae

  Sometimes called rockfish since they roam among the rocks on the ocean floor, scorpionfish have body markings that allow for easy camouflage. Their spines also contain venom that subdues and kills prey which get swallowed whole. Although the venom isn't often fatal to humans, you might end up in a lot of pain if you brush against one. Numbness, swelling, and bleeding, might occur and medical attention should be sought to avoid possible seizures, vomiting, or breathing difficulties. Scorpionfish can live out of water for 24 hours, so it's probably wise to avoid them if they wash up on the beach.
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  (#15) Stinging Nettle Caterpillar

  If you think touching a stinging nettle caterpillar looks like it would be painful, you'd be absolutely correct. Stinging nettle caterpillars have tiny suckers on their bodies, allowing them to stick to leaves and branches as they travel and feed. Additionally, their bodies are covered in sharp points. The points can cause a painful rash and breathing problems. The creatures live throughout Southeast Asia and sometimes hitch rides on plant cargo. Now they're even considered an invasive species in Hawaii. Like other caterpillars, the sting nettles will eventually mature into moths. The moths, however, are less dangerous.

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