Most Poisonous Insect in the World

I was somewhat shocked by this information and didn’t realize that the Harvester Ant was even a contender in this category, but here is the information:

If you want to know the record holder for the most poisonous insect in the world, then you’re in the right place. The Maricopa harvester ant ranks on top. Also called Pogonomyrmex maricopa, it is one of the most common species of harvester ant species found in Arizona, and is considered the most venomous insect in the world. The Maricopa harvester ant is best known for the toxicity of its venom. Its LD50 value is 0.12 mg/kg (injected intravenously in mice), which means that 12 stings can kill a 2 kg rat. In comparison, the LD50 of the honey bee is 2.8 mg/kg — more than 20 times weaker. In humans, a Pogonomyrmex sting produces intense pain that can last up to 4 hours. These types of ants are far more venomous than fire ants.