The Schmidt Sting Pain Index: what's your level?

[Malthus]

@Tamerlane

@Malthus

There are people who actually want to own one of those?

Oh, certainly :). Not me ( anymore ), but arthropod pet geeks are certainly around and arguably increasing in number ( at least they seemed to be in the 90’s, when everyone wanted a pet Bird-Eating Spider )…

Spiders are one thing, but centipedes definitely fall into the ‘nuke it from orbit, it’s the only way to be sure’ zone.

If we accidentaly get a few arthropod pet geeks at the same time - acceptable collateral damage!

[Acid_Lamp]

@Tamerlane

@Acid_Lamp

4.5 Bark Scorpion. -Initial searing pain that feels cold, followed by a rush of heat to the area and a persistent dull ache that lasts 12 hrs. The would heals quickly as the swelling recedes so while quite painful, it remains lower on my list.

I’ve had friends that would back that up - one compare it to sticking your hand on an electric burner, turning it to high and leaving it there.

That said, I’m pretty sure that photo is mislabeled. It looks like a big Hadrurus to me, probably H. arizonensis - note all the setae on the appendages ( hence the common name of “hairy scorpions” for the genus ). Bark Scorpions are actually much smaller.

I think you’re correct on that ID. I thought the tail looked a little fat as well. Either way, still a nasty customer.

[Acid_Lamp]

@Malthus

There are people who actually want to own one of those?

You bet there are! Those things are like little demonic chainsaws on legs. They actually eat like they are feeding the prey into a wood chipper. It’s really pretty awesome to watch a big one kill and eat an adult mouse. On the other hand, being bitten by one was the second most painful experience of my life. Only breaking a bone has hurt worse. I haven’t made the acquaintance of the bullet ant yet so I can’t compare directly to the chart, but I’m willing to bet that centipede blows it out of the water.