Scorpions

Scorpions, found on every continent except Antarctica, are among Earth's oldest predators with over 2,500 species. While most have painful but non-lethal stings, about 30 species possess venom potent enough to kill humans—including the deathstalker and fat-tailed scorpion. Their neurotoxic venom can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and death, particularly in children. These nocturnal arachnids hide in shoes, clothing, and dark crevices, making accidental encounters common. Responsible for thousands of deaths annually, scorpions demonstrate how even small creatures can be deadly through evolutionary perfection of their venomous stingers over 430 million years.