[Lee Stewart]

Hornets are basically enormous wasps, at least in looks, which makes them terrifying enough. Most species avoid people and aren’t aggressive, but that isn’t the case with the Asian giant hornet. Roughly as big as the average human thumb, they’re fiercely protective of their colonies and, if threatened, will inflict a sting that’s been compared to a red-hot needle with pain lasting days. One hornet has enough venom to kill 10 mice, while multiple stings can kill humans regardless of allergies. In Japan, between 30 and 50 deaths are attributed to the insects each year.