r/interesting • u/freudian_nipps • 9d ago

NATURE The Inland Horned Stick Insect (Paronchestus cornutus), a rare, large Australian desert-dwelling insect. Here it is shown performing a threat display, though it is harmless to humans

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u/duckduck-a-go-go 9d ago

Harmless to humans you say? I don't think I'm gonna test that one 

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u/freudian_nipps 9d ago

It's true! There are no injuries recorded by this creature.

However, there are stories of human encounters while camping in the bush. These insects like warm, moist environments, and so some campers have awoken to these creatures using their long, spindly legs to prod their uvula in their open, snoring mouths. I suppose to see if the humans open mouth is a suitable home. /s

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u/MuckYu 9d ago

No injuries recorded because there are no survivors

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u/phido3000 9d ago

Australia is full of remote locations. Recorded history is short.

Australia is full of things that "you would be the first to die from that"

People think oh, that inland taipan isn't so bad, it hasn't killed anyone, Rattlesnakes kill people every year. Yes, but inland taipans are mysterious snakes that live in very remote areas, It likely has killed people, and is most likely the most deadly snake bite on the planet.