Schmidt Pain Index
In 1984, Joseph O. Schmidt, a researcher from Arizona, developed a hymenopteran sting pain scale, now known as the Schmidt sting pain index. In this index, a 0 is given to a sting from an insect that can not break through human skin, a 2 is given for intermediate pain, and a 4 is given for intense pain. The scale rates stings from 78 different species in 42 different genera. Spider wasps of the genus Pepsis, also known as tarantula hawks, have a sting rating of 4. The sting is described as "blinding, fierce, and shockingly electric. A running hair dryer has been dropped into your bubble bath." Only the bite of the Bullet Ant, Paraponera clavata, is ranked higher, with a 4+ rating.
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Spider wasp flying with prey
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Anoplius viaticus (L.) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) with prey Nuctenea umbratica (Clerck) (Arachnida: Araneidae), England UK
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Unidentified species of spider wasp hunting in Texas, United States
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Spider wasp with its prey near Heemstede, The Netherlands
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Spider wasp attacking huntsman spider in Sydney, Australia
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A pompilid from Bangalore
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A Western Australian pompilid has captured a large huntsman spider.
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A pompilid has captured a spider in Quito Ecuador.
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The anaesthetised spider is carried up to a nest in the roof.
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A spider wasp is dragging its captured prey in Sydney, Australia.
Read more about this topic: Spider Wasp
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