Dr. Justin Schmidt’s bizarre experiment unveils the most agonizing insect stings known to man
In a peculiar quest to unveil the hierarchy of pain inflicted by insect stings, entomologist Dr. Justin Schmidt embarked on an unprecedented experiment: subjecting himself to the bites and stings of over 80 different species of insects.
Delving into the realm of entomology, Dr. Schmidt sought to unravel the mysteries of insect stings by experiencing them firsthand. His audacious endeavour aimed to create a comprehensive ‘pain index,’ shedding light on the varying degrees of agony induced by different insect species.
Undeterred by the prospect of discomfort, Dr. Schmidt courageously allowed himself to be bitten and stung by a diverse array of insects, including bees, wasps, and ants. Each encounter was meticulously documented, with the severity and intensity of pain rated on a scale of one to four.
While some stings elicited mild discomfort, others unleashed excruciating agony, pushing the boundaries of human tolerance. Among the notable findings, common wasps and honey bees ranked at a moderate level of pain, while three species soared to the highest echelons of agony.
At the apex of Dr. Justin Schmidt’s ‘pain index’ stood the notorious Bullet Ant, renowned for its searing sting likened to being shot. Joining this elite league were the Tarantula Hawk Wasp and the Warrior Wasp, both notorious for inflicting blinding, electric shocks of pain that defy comparison.
Dr. Schmidt’s vivid descriptions of the pain endured during each sting transformed the scientific endeavour into a visceral exploration of agony. From the searing heat of the Western Yellowjacket to the torturous torment inflicted by the Warrior Wasp, each encounter was likened to a surreal journey through realms of pain.
As Dr. Schmidt’s extraordinary experiment draws to a close, the world is left with a newfound appreciation for the complex spectrum of pain inflicted by insects. His groundbreaking research serves as a testament to human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, even in the face of discomfort.
