15 Terrifying Animals That Are Way Smaller Than You

Before we go any further with this entry, be advised that this insect, which can normally be found on the far eastern edge of Asia, is known locally as the yak-killer hornet. That is not hyperbole; this thing can kill yaks.

On one hand wasps and hornets actually serve an important purpose in ecosystems, eating smaller insects that farmers and gardeners consider as pests. However, there’s always the black sheep in every family, and in this case, it’s the Asian giant hornet.

Now, seeing an insect the size of a grown man’s thumb flying around you would be bad enough. However, to complement its size, the hornet’s venom is just as terrifying. The hornet’s sting is so powerful that it can actually dissolve human tissue. Each year, an estimated 30-40 people die from giant hornet stings, and in 2013, 41 people in China were killed and over 1,600 injured by these terrifying hornets from Hell.

Another major concern is that there is growing evidence suggesting that Asian Giant Hornets aren't exclusively Asian anymore. Some nests have been spotted in Europe, which is bad for humans and insects alike. It's a voracious predator that eats local bugs, and has a powerful sting to protect itself with.

In other words, it's a lose-lose situation no matter which way you slice it.