We all know that big animals pose a big threat to our safety. Lions, for example, have sharp teeth and claws and are adept at pursuing prey. Sharks and their massive jaws are not to be trifled with. However, the most serious threats to your safety aren’t always large—in fact, a surprising number of them are small enough to fit in your breadbox. As the saying goes, “dynamite comes in small packages.” Here are five small threats where size does not matter!
Slow Loris
The pygmy slow loris is small enough to fit in your palm and secretes a toxin near their elbows, which is licked and enters their mouths. Humans can have severe (and at times fatal) allergic reactions when bitten by a Loris.
Mosquito
You’ve heard the annoying buzz of a mosquito if you live in a warm or temperate climate. What’s worse is that you’ve probably been bitten by at least one, if not a dozen. Not only are they the most annoying tiny creatures on this planet, but they can also spread diseases like yellow fever, malaria, filariasis, and dengue fever.
The Golden Poison Frog
The Golden Poison Frog certainly lives up to its name! These hopping poison factories’ skin secretions are so dangerous that one little frog can kill up to 10 humans. So in short, RUN if you see one of these brightly colored frogs!
Tsetse Fly
The African blood-sucking tsetse fly is only about an inch long. It pierces the skin with its blade-like mandibles and feeds on the blood of humans and other animals. Tsetse flies have been found to carry the parasites that cause sleeping sickness, which can be fatal if not treated. In addition to drowsiness, other symptoms include fever and lymph node swelling. A sufferer’s heart may become inflamed, which can be fatal.