10 creatures that deliver the most painful stings and bites

[Philo]

I remember when I was like 4 or 5 I was stung by an ant. That hurt like hell but it seems like that was a stroll in the park compared to the beasts here, especially the box jellyfish.

[Atlantic Islander]

Portuguese man o' war

This species and the smaller Indo-Pacific man o' war are responsible for up to 10,000 human stings in Australia each summer, particularly on the east coast, with some others occurring off the coast of South Australia and Western Australia.

The stinging, venom-filled nematocysts in the tentacles of the Portuguese man o' war can paralyze small fish and other prey. Detached tentacles and dead specimens (including those that wash up on shore) can sting just as painfully as the live organism in the water and may remain potent for hours or even days after the death of the organism or the detachment of the tentacle.

Stings usually cause severe pain to humans, leaving whip-like, red welts on the skin that normally last 2 or 3 days after the initial sting, though the pain should subside after about an hour. However, the venom can travel to the lymph nodes and may cause, depending on the amount of venom, a more intense pain. A sting may lead to an allergic reaction. There can also be serious effects, including fever, shock, and interference with heart and lung function. Stings may also cause death, although this is extremely rare. Medical attention may be necessary, especially if pain persists or is intense, there is an extreme reaction, the rash worsens, a feeling of overall illness develops, a red streak develops between swollen lymph nodes and the sting, or either area becomes red, warm and tender.

[Dombra]

I was supposed to sleep now

Even platypus are ruined for me now

[Jackson]

I'm glad to live in such a safe and forgiving corner of the world.

[larali]

My friend was stung by a Man o' War and had marks much like what you posted, Kaz. I've found black widows in my garage and under picnic tables; they are prolific here.