12-camel spider
There are many myths surrounding the camel spider. Some say that it takes its name from
standing under camels to enjoy the shade. Others assume that its venom is so potent
it can fully numb a person’s limb, so it’s capable of biting them undetected. The most
widespread misconception, however, is that this creepy crawler is a spider at all. The
truth of the matter is camel spiders are incredibly fast and aggressive, being able to move as
fast as 10 miles per hour. Their bite may be strong enough that victims require stitches.
But this creature, though belonging to the class Arachnida, is no spider. It belongs
to the Solpugid family and as with all the other members, it lacks venom glands. The
camel spider is a vicious predator, and its fast metabolism means it requires almost constant
feeding. It preys mostly on rodents, lizards and even small birds. Its powerful jaws, which
comprise one-third of the arachnid’s entire body, allow it to seize and kill its victims
rapidly.
11-Millipedes
The millipede is a type of arthropod easily identifiable by several pairs of jointed legs
fused together. These can be divided into up to 20 different segments. Its popular name
comes from the Latin word for “thousand feet.” Though no millipede has actually
been recorded as having exactly a thousand legs, the Illacme plenipes features 750 limbs.
This arthropod is usually slow-moving and feeds almost exclusively on decaying plants
and fungi. Only a handful of subspecies are predators. Though it’s mostly harmless to
human beings, it’s considered a pest, as it can ruin gardens and crops. The millipede
has an elongated heart that is as lengthy as its body, and the aorta reaches its head.
This insect is frequently used in traditional medicine and several concoctions meant to
treat wounds include its crushed remains.
10-Sydney funnel-web spider
Even though the Sydney funnel-web spider is only 0.4 to 2 inches wide, or about the size
of a dime, its bite can cause a grown human being severe harm and even death. It hardly
has any hair, and its carapace is smooth, dark, and glossy. This type of funnel-web
spider is often found in tunnels, or open funnels, from which its name is derived. It
tends to be aggressive when feeling threatened. It attempts to make itself look larger, by
rearing itself up on its hind legs and showing its long, deadly fangs. When attacking, it
usually bites more than once, injecting its victim with its potent toxins. Out of all
the spider species, its venom is considered the most toxic to human beings. Initially,
a person bitten by this spider will feel intense pain, followed by extreme salivation, twitching,
and shortness of breath. It can eventually lead to fainting spells and, if left untreated,
can actually prove lethal.
9-Giant Weta
Though the giant weta is relatively harmless to humans, it’s still a terribly creepy
critter. Its very name defines it as monstrous. Derived from the Maori word wetapunga, it
can be translated as God of the ugly things. This massive insect is considered at risk
of extinction by the New Zealand government and thus protected by law. It closely resembles
a large cricket. It can weigh up to 2.5 ounces, which makes it one of the heaviest insects
worldwide. To put things into perspective, this makes the giant weta as hefty as a C
battery. It can be found in mountainous environments, at heights of up to 3,900 feet!
8-Cereal Leaf Beetle
The cereal leaf beetle only mates once a year, but it is considered a dangerous pest for
crops nonetheless. An adult specimen can grow as long as 0.18 inches and is easily identified
by its blue wings and red legs. It’s native to both European and Asian countries and was
later introduced to North America, mainly in the USA and Canada. Though it feeds off
all cereal crops, this insect prefers oats, barley, and rye. It usually migrates as it
eats, so it doesn’t affect whole plants at once. When present in a field, the destruction
it causes can affect up to 40% of the total crop. There have been many different attempts
to keep this beetle from affecting local farmers, including genetically modified seeds.
7-Huntsman Spiders
There is a reason the Huntsman spider was given this name. When following its prey,
it possesses astonishing speed and aggression. Because of its size, it’s also been referred
to as the giant crab spider. Some species even use unique kinds of movements, resorting
to cartwheeling instead of walking when hunting. It’s native to tropical regions around the
world, including Australasia, Africa, Asia, and America. All species of huntsman spiders
feature eight eyes, and some can sport a leg span of up to 11.8 inches. Instead of being
jointed vertically, like the tarantula, the huntsman’s legs grow forward in a crab-like
manner. Its bite can cause an average human being swelling, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations,
and intense pain. Antibiotics should be administered due to a high risk of infection.
6-Titan beetle
The titan beetle, as its name suggests, can reach impressive lengths. The creepy crawler
owns a short, curved mandible that can snap pencils in half and make nasty cuts on human
beings. This species has been known to grow up to
6.6 inches, making it three times longer than a golf tee. Though its bite can cause surprising
harm to most insects, the adult beetle rarely, if ever, feeds. Its only function is to reproduce.
It can take years for it to grow from a larva to an adult form. Not only can it give a nasty
bite, but it also hisses loudly to warn potential predators they need to stay away. It’s native
to the rain forests of Central and South America.
5-Amazonian giant centipede
This massive centipede is also known as the Peruvian giant yellow-leg centipede. It certainly
lives up to its name, reaching lengths of up to 12 inches! Its legs are thick and substantial,
sticking out of its elongated body. It feeds on large arthropods, as well as tiny mammals
and reptiles. It’s native to South America but has been found in some regions of Central
and even North America. The Amazonian giant centipede is a carnivore, and it uses its
venom and strength to overpower animals far larger than itself. It's been known to eat
mice, bats, frogs, and even lizards! Its bite isn’t considered deadly but causes severe
pain, even to a fully-grown human being, lasting from 12 hours to several days.
4-Jerusalem Cricket
The Jerusalem cricket is a flightless insect, native to the USA and certain parts of Mexico.
Despite its common name, this insect is not truly a cricket, and it certainly doesn’t
come from Jerusalem. The origin of its name isn’t clear, but it might be related to
the Navajo people referring to it as a “skull insect”. Christian priests could have connected
it to Skull Hill, a spot in Jerusalem near the location where Jesus was crucified. It
feeds mostly off decomposing organic matter but may resort to eating insects when in need.
Though it’s non-venomous, it discharges an unpleasant, foul smell and is capable of
causing harm with its nasty bite. After being attacked by a Jerusalem cricket, it’s common
for people to develop sores, rashes, and even experience flu-like symptoms.
3- Wolf spider
The wolf spider is particularly creepy, as it carries egg sacs attached to its body.
This makes it seem like several large clumps are growing over its back and sides. When
the spiderlings are hatched, they cling to the female’s legs and abdomen for several
weeks. The wolf spider is a solitary predator, and it doesn’t spin webs. Instead, it uses
its strength and speed to hunt down prey. The wolf spider lurks in waiting, pouncing
on a passing victim and, at times, even running small distances to chase it. It possesses
eight eyes in three different rows, though only two are prominent. Not only does it have
excellent eyesight, but it possesses sensory hairs on its legs. This allows the wolf spider
to be fully aware of its surroundings, a trait required by most prolific hunters. Though
it produces venom, it usually only injects it in human beings when continually provoked.
Its bite produces pain, itching, and swelling.
2-Giant burrowing cockroach
The giant burrowing cockroach, also known as the rhinoceros cockroach, is the heaviest
specimen of this insect family. It doesn’t have wings, nor is it considered a pest, but
its massive size alone is enough to send shivers down people’s spine. It can grow as big
as 3.2 inches, and weigh up to 1.2 oz, making it as heavy as a lightbulb. Its body is covered
by a prominent plate-like structure that’s thicker than 0.5 inches. When it feels threatened
the giant burrowing cockroach resorts to hissing, biting and shoving. This massive insect is
native to Australia, mainly the area of Queensland. It’s rather popular as a pet for creepy
crawler enthusiasts, as it can’t fly, is odorless and disease-free. In captivity, it
can live up to 8 years.
1-Bootlace Worm
The lineus longissimus, or bootlace worm, is one of the longest animals in the world.
Though smaller specimens are on average about 50 feet long, the record-holder measured 180
feet! To put things into perspective, a blue whale usually measures up to 98 feet. Though
its length is impressive, the worm’s girth doesn’t typically go above 0.39 inches.
The bootlace worm releases highly toxic and pungent mucus to defend itself from predators.
This toxin can even kill crabs and cockroaches. To catch its prey, the bootlace worm shoots
forward its retractable nose, which is highly sticky. When a small insect is caught in its
proboscis, the worm drags its prey toward its mouth and eats it alive. This massive
critter can be found along the coasts of Britain, Norway, and Sweden.
Thanks for watching! Would you rather jump in a pool filled with bootlace worms or sleep
in a bed covered with giant burrowing cockroaches? Let us know in the comments section below!