Animals are weird.

Tardigrades are one of the few groups of species that are capable of reversibly suspending their metabolism and going into a state of cryptobiosis. Several species regularly survive in a dehydrated state for nearly ten years. Depending on the environment they may enter this state via anhydrobiosis, cryobiosis, osmobiosis or anoxybiosis. While in this state their metabolism lowers to less than 0.01% of normal and their water content can drop to 1% of normal. Their ability to remain desiccated for such a long period is largely dependent on the high levels of the non-reducing sugar trehalose, which protects their membranes. In this cryptobiotic state the tardigrade is known as a tun.

They can withstand the extremely low pressure of a vacuum and also very high pressures, more than 1200 times atmospheric pressure. It has recently been demonstrated that tardigrades can survive the vacuum of open space and solar radiation combined for at least 10 days. Recent research has revealed that they can also withstand pressure of 6,000 atmospheres, which is nearly six times the pressure of water in the deepest ocean trench.

# The venom contains at least eight distinct chemicals, some of which damage tissue, some of which cause pain, and at least one which has an odor that attracts more hornets to the victim.
# The venom contains 5% acetylcholine, a greater concentration than is present in bee or other wasp venoms. Acetylcholine stimulates the pain nerve fibers, intensifying the pain of the sting.
# Vespa mandarinia uses its large crushing mandibles, rather than its sting, to kill prey.
# The venom of the Asian giant hornet is not as toxic as some other bees or wasps, and is less toxic than honey-bee venom, but because of the large quantity of venom, this species has one of the greatest toxicities per sting.
# The enzyme in the venom is so strong that it can dissolve human tissue. On some occasions, the sting may be compared to the effects of a spider bite.
# Like all hornets, V. mandarinia has a barbless stinger, allowing it to sting repeatedly.

Accuser said:
Bah. It was meant to become a sort of science-y current events thread. Oh well, I guess it fits here.

Vespa Mandarina - Asian Giant Hornet


Largest hornet in the world.
.

cyanide81 said:

FUCK. THAT.

cyanide81 said:

FUCK. THAT.

Accuser said:
Vespa Mandarina - Asian Giant Hornet


Largest hornet in the world.

Stinger is 1/4 inch. Injects a venom that feels "like a hot nail being driven into your leg."

Accuser said:

RudieCantFail said:

KILL IT! KILL IT WITH FIRE!

Lemonkid said:
Axototl, baby.