Species Library

Common dangerous & notable species found in Thailand.

Jump to category page: Snakes · Spiders · Scorpions · Insects · Marine · Plants · Mushrooms
snake

King Cobra

Ophiophagus hannah
Highly Dangerous

The world's longest venomous snake (up to 5.5m). Olive-green to brown with faint bands. Raises hood when threatened.

snake

Monocled Cobra

Naja kaouthia
Highly Dangerous

Medium-sized cobra (1.5–2m) with a distinctive single 'O' marking on the back of the hood.

snake

Malayan Pit Viper

Calloselasma rhodostoma
Dangerous

Stocky, triangular-headed viper, brown with darker geometric patterns. Excellent camouflage in leaves.

snake

Banded Krait

Bungarus fasciatus
Highly Dangerous

Distinct yellow and black bands. Triangular cross-section. Shy but neurotoxic venom is lethal.

snake

Russell's Viper

Daboia siamensis
Highly Dangerous

Heavy-bodied viper (~1m) with chain of dark oval blotches on a tan body. Hisses loudly when threatened.

snake

Malayan Krait

Bungarus candidus
Highly Dangerous

Slender snake (~1m) with alternating glossy black and white bands. Among the most lethal snakes in Asia.

snake

White-lipped Pit Viper

Trimeresurus albolabris
Dangerous

Bright green snake (~80cm) with a white or yellow lip line and reddish tail tip. Triangular head.

scorpion

Asian Forest Scorpion

Heterometrus spinifer
Mild Risk

Large, glossy black scorpion. Intimidating appearance but venom comparable to a bee sting.

insect

Giant Centipede

Scolopendra subspinipes
Dangerous

Up to 25cm, red-orange to dark brown. Bite is extremely painful and can cause serious local reactions.

marine

Box Jellyfish

Chironex spp.
Highly Dangerous

Nearly invisible cube-shaped bell with long trailing tentacles. Among the most venomous animals on Earth.

marine

Stonefish

Synanceia verrucosa
Highly Dangerous

Camouflaged as a rock. 13 dorsal spines deliver venom when stepped on.

marine

Lionfish

Pterois volitans
Dangerous

Striking red/white striped fish with feathery venomous spines.

marine

Sea Urchin

Diadema setosum
Mild Risk

Black spherical body with long sharp brittle spines that break off in skin.

spider

Redback / Widow Spider

Latrodectus spp.
Dangerous

Black body with a distinct red marking on abdomen.

insect

Asian Giant Hornet

Vespa mandarinia
Dangerous

Up to 5cm long with orange head. Multiple stings can be lethal.

insect

Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta
Mild Risk

Small reddish ant that swarms and stings repeatedly leaving pustules.

plant

Manchineel-like Toxic Tree (Pong-pong)

Cerbera odollam
Highly Dangerous

Small tree with mango-like fruit. Seeds contain cardiac glycoside (cerberin) — deadly if ingested.

mushroom

Death Cap Mushroom

Amanita phalloides (group)
Highly Dangerous

Greenish-yellow cap, white gills, white stem with ring and volva. Responsible for most fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide.