The world is full of wonders, and even today, scientists are still discovering new creatures that never cease to amaze us.

Each creature is unique, beautiful, and amazing.

Along with their unique characteristics, some creatures are also as dangerous.

Some creatures may look harmless and sometimes even adorable, but beneath that exterior is a dangerous secret that we are not familiar with yet.

Did you know that certain species of ladybugs can be dangerous?

Shocking, right? Here are 10 seemingly harmless creatures that are actually dangerous

1) Bombardier beetles

It is scientifically known as Beetle Subfamilies Brachininae and Paussinae, this tiny beetle may look harmless but did you know how the Bombardier beetle got its name?

When this insect feels threatened, they can spray a boiling chemical as their defense mechanism. It’s better not to touch these insects because you may suffer a chemical burn. Can you imagine if the Bombardier beetle sprays into your eyes?

They are usually found in Russia and in Southern Eurasia.

2) Browntail moth

It is scientifically known as the Euproctis chrysorrhoea. This moth looks harmless, unique, beautiful, and is usually active in mid-summer.

Did you know that these moths have poisonous hairs?

Don’t try to touch them because any contact with these moths will cause you to have a severe rash that can last for many weeks! Some studies note people having breathing difficulties similar to asthma if they inhale some of the moth’s hair.

They are usually found in Western and Eastern Europe, Asia.

3) Fire-bellied toad

It is scientifically known as Bombina bombina. This type of toad can be distinguished by the dark red, yellow, orange spots on its body.

Don’t dare to play with them or even touch them because you might get poisoned with bombesin.

The Fire-bellied toad’s body is covered with bombesin, a type of poisonous chemical. When you come in contact with bombesin, it can cause irritation, headache, and even fever.

They are usually found in Europe and areas in Asia with a moderate climate.

4) Red slug

It is scientifically known as Arion Rufus. The red slug can reach up to 18 cm in length, and they can eat anything!

They are harmless, but they are carriers of nematodes.

Nematodes are parasites that are harmful to plants, animals, and even to humans as they can transmit diseases.

The red slug is usually found in Western Europe.

5) Tiger mosquito

It is scientifically known as the Aedes albopictus.

While we hate mosquitoes, did you know that we should be extra careful with the tiger mosquito?

Good thing you can recognize them because of their white stripes, similar to a tiger, hence, the name.

They are dangerous because they are carriers of the Zika virus, Dengue, and even the Chikungunya virus. One bite and you can be infected with these deadly diseases.

They are usually found in Asia, North America, and Hawaii

6) Blister beetle

It is scientifically known as the Meloe.

The blister beetle or oil beetles are known for their unique ability to release oily drops of hemolymph when provoked.

These oily droplets contain a poisonous chemical known as cantharidin, which can cause skin blistering and even painful swelling.

These beetles can’t fly and are usually found in the entire Palearctic region.

7) Pine processionary caterpillar

It is also known as the Thaumetopoea pityocampa.

These caterpillars look harmless but are very dangerous!

If your skin comes in contact with this caterpillar, or anywhere it has dropped some of its hairs, you will experience extreme rashes, irritation, and other consequences.

They are usually found in Europe, North Africa, Middle East, India, and Russia

8) Common backswimmer

It is scientifically known as the Notonecta glauca.

It can grow up to about 2 cm in size and the reason why it’s commonly known as backswimmers is that these insects swim upside down. They are often seen on water surfaces.

In fact, they look harmless and it even looks like you can touch them, but don’ be fooled. If threatened, the common backswimmers can pierce your skin with their noses.

They are commonly found in Europe and Russia

9) Beavers

It is scientifically known as the Castor canadensis.

Beavers look cute and harmless too, and they are, as long as you keep your distance. They don’t like being disturbed or threatened.

Once provoked, they can be very aggressive, and they will attack. Their sharp teeth can cause painful lacerations, infections, and even rabies.

They are usually found in Russia, Eastern and Central Europe, Spain, France, and Scandinavia.

10) Ladybug

It is scientifically known as the Harmonia axyridis.

Most ladybugs are beautiful and harmless but the harlequin ladybug is dangerous because it can cause a painful bite.

Though not poisonous, the bite can still sting and can cause an allergic reaction.

They are usually found in Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, Korea, and Siberia.

How familiar are you with these creatures? Have you had a close encounter with them?

Can you name other creatures that look harmless but are actually dangerous?

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Source: Wikipedia – Browntailed Moth, Wikipedia – Firebellied Toad, National Geographic, Wikipedia – Meloe, Wikipedia – Pine_processionary, Naturespot, Wikipedia – Ladybug, FB image credit: Flickr