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Four of the Deadliest Colombian Creatures photo by Esteban Alzate (via Creative Commons)

Four of the Deadliest Colombian Creatures

by : Becky Johnson posted :

Adventure travel in Colombia is an exciting prospect, and since Colombia is the home of some of the most incredible and diverse species on earth, there is a possibility you might catch a glimpse of something exotic and beautiful. Naturally, some of the most beautiful creatures are also the most deadly. Here are four of Colombia’s deadliest creatures:


Yellow-striped Poison Frog photo by Esteban Alzate (via Creative Commons)
Yellow-striped Poison Frog

Yellow-striped Poison Frog

The colorful and adorable Colombia native (Dendrobates truncatus) is probably not a species you’ll want to touch. As a member of the poison dart frog family, this tiny frog is incredibly toxic. Its bright coloring is a perfect example of the “aposematic” defense (warning coloration); the brilliant yellow stripe warns predators of potential poison. These frogs synthesize their poisons into their skin through their diet of other toxic creatures, such as ants, centipedes, and mites. They prefer the warm, moist subtropical regions and have proven to be very dedicated parents, in spite of their poisonous reputation.


Equis Snake photo by Brian Gratwicke (via Wikipedia Commons)
Equis Snake

Equis Snake

The “Equis” snake (Bothrops asper) is considered deadly, not just because of its venom, but because it has a penchant for hanging out near human habitats. This makes the equis snake (named for the letter “X” because of the pattern of its scales) the cause of most of the bites in the regions where it’s found. 50-70% of all snake bites in certain parts of Colombia are from the equis and it is deservedly the object of much fear. It’s a member of the pit viper family, and its deadly reputation has earned it the nickname of “the ultimate pit viper.” The venom contains protein-degrading enzymes and can lead to a variety of severe health conditions, including necrosis. It’s best to steer clear of this unpredictable snake.


Banana Spider photo by Dick Culbert (via Flickr)
Banana Spider

Banana Spider

The Banana Spider (Phoneutria fera) sometimes also known as the “Brazilian Wandering Spider” is extremely dangerous to people. With a leg span of 13-15cm, these spiders are often identified by their defensive trait of raising their frontal legs high. If you see one, you’ll want to run the other way! Their venom is a potent neurotoxin, and a bite should be considered serious, especially for small children. They are called “wandering” spiders because they tend to wander across floors at night, but they mostly hide in dark, secluded places by day. They have also been seen on shipments of bananas, earning the “banana spider” nickname.
Bullet Ant photo by Hans Hillewaert (via Wikimedia Commons)
Bullet Ant

Bullet Ant

The “bullet” ant (Paraponera clavata) is known for its painful sting. It can be found throughout South America in the Neotropic zone. The sting is said to be so painful, it is similar to being shot, thus earning the ant its “bullet” nickname. On the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, the sting is ranked as the most painful, a 4+. Surprisingly, these mighty ants can be taken down by the small phorid fly, which acts as a parasite on injured bullet ants; wounded ants are common because neighboring colonies of bullet ants are aggressive and often fighting. The bullet ant is a forager, searching for food on forest floors, bushes and trees. It is rumored that certain tribes go through an initiation by intentionally getting bitten by these ants. Ouch!


Uncharted Colombia’s experienced guides can take you through some of the most untamed and wild locations the country has to offer. Your private tour of Colombia will be filled with excitement and adventure, and maybe just a hint of danger (but we’ll keep you safe). See the beauty and wonder of this South American paradise. Colombia is waiting.

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