User:MacGyverMagic/Discussions/Fire ants

Fire ants

The article doesn't say, but under what circumstances would fire ant stings give a medical effect in a healthy ten-year-old? I'm planning a story for which I need a stinging insect and I prefer to shy away from spiders for the moment. - Mgm|^(talk) 20:51, 15 January 2006 (UTC)

• anaphylaxis caused by an allergic reaction to the venom would be the worst possible medical effect of fire ant stings. [1] and [2] have some more information. —Charles P.  (Mirv) 21:02, 15 January 2006 (UTC)

Actually, anaphylaxis is the worst possible medical effect of any stings, since it can kills faster than any venom ☢ Ҡieff⌇↯ 21:59, 15 January 2006 (UTC)

It was the only one I could think of. How many stings would it take for a healthy 10 year-old individual to get such a reaction? Any other critters I should be looking for? I prefer to put it near an old house in a light residential area (wooded if needed). - Mgm|^(talk) 22:23, 15 January 2006 (UTC)

• Killer bees are always popular. Black Carrot 07:16, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

• Unless fire ants are in some way very different from other ants, they don't sting. They bite and then spray some nasty chemical on the wound. Which means the article is wrong, so I pointed this out on the talk page. And spiders don't sting either, I believe. And, while I'm at it, neither do mosquitoes, although the mouth they bite with is rather needle-like. DirkvdM 09:42, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

Technically, spiders aren't insects either. But really, I'm looking for a "stinging or biting creepy crawly which could cause adverse effects on its victim". I thought keeping it short would be easier. - Mgm|^(talk) 09:54, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

• Scorpion, centipede, snake, gila monster , poisonous tree frog GangofOne 11:43, 16 January 2006 (UTC)

• If you don't mind wandering into fantasy, you could follow The Mummy's lead and use dung beetles. 69.154.179.63 00:50, 17 January 2006 (UTC)

• You might also want to check out Schmidt Sting Pain Index. chocolateboy 07:39, 17 January 2006 (UTC)
• Thanks people! Those are some useful tips. I won't wander into fantasy yet, I was planning to use viewing "The Mummy" as a way to awaken the MC's fears, but I need something that would live around the US or the UK. I'm afraid dung beetles don't work in that regard. It's only starting to become fantastical after this particular case happens. - Mgm|^(talk) 09:28, 17 January 2006 (UTC)