The 7 Sting Levels

Follow our journey through the Schmidt Sting Pain Index, streamed live on pump.fun via STING token. From mild discomfort to the most intense pain known to science. Each level is carefully selected for educational value and safety.

Challenge Progress

Level 1
Fire Ant
Pain: 1.2
Level 2
Paper Wasp
Pain: 2
Level 3
Bald-faced Hornet
Pain: 2.5
Level 4
Velvet Ant (Cow Killer)
Pain: 3
Level 5
Tarantula Hawk Wasp
Pain: 4
Level 6
Bullet Ant
Pain: 4
Level 7
Mystery Sting
Pain: 0

Level 1: Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta

Pain: 1.2

The imported red fire ant delivers a painful sting that feels like a burning match. They often sting multiple times, creating a characteristic pattern of small blisters.

Risks

  • Multiple stings possible
  • Blisters and itching
  • Risk of secondary infection

Educational Value

  • Ant colony structure
  • Fire ant invasion biology
  • Pain mechanism in ant stings
Completed: 1/15/2024

Level 2: Paper Wasp

Polistes dominula

Pain: 2

Paper wasps build distinctive umbrella-shaped nests. Their sting is more intense than fire ants, with a sharp, burning pain that can last 30-60 minutes.

Risks

  • More intense pain than fire ants
  • Swelling and redness
  • Potential for multiple stings

Educational Value

  • Wasp vs ant differences
  • Paper nest construction
  • Social wasp behavior
Completed: 3/25/2024

Level 3: Bald-faced Hornet

Dolichovespula maculata

Pain: 2.5

Large, aggressive wasps with distinctive white markings. Their sting is significantly more painful than paper wasps, with intense burning and throbbing pain.

Risks

  • Intense pain lasting hours
  • Significant swelling
  • Risk of systemic reactions

Educational Value

  • Hornet evolution and ecology
  • Defensive behavior patterns
  • Venom composition differences

Level 4: Velvet Ant (Cow Killer)

Dasymutilla occidentalis

Pain: 3

Despite the name, this is actually a wingless wasp. The female delivers an extremely painful sting described as "unbearable" - hence the nickname "cow killer."

Risks

  • Extremely intense pain
  • Long-lasting discomfort (up to 30 minutes)
  • Psychological impact

Educational Value

  • Mimicry and warning coloration
  • Wingless wasp evolution
  • Pain threshold research

Level 5: Tarantula Hawk Wasp

Pepsis grossa

Pain: 4

One of the most painful stings known to science. The pain is immediate, intense, and can cause temporary paralysis. However, the pain subsides relatively quickly.

Risks

  • Extremely intense pain
  • Temporary paralysis
  • Risk of fainting

Educational Value

  • Parasitoid wasp biology
  • Tarantula hunting behavior
  • Pain research applications

Level 6: Bullet Ant

Paraponera clavata

Pain: 4

The ultimate test - often considered the most painful insect sting. The pain is described as "pure, intense, brilliant pain" that can last 24 hours or more.

Risks

  • Most intense pain possible
  • Long-lasting pain (24+ hours)
  • Potential for shock

Educational Value

  • Amazon rainforest ecology
  • Indigenous pain rituals
  • Pain neuroscience research

Level 7: Mystery Sting

TBD

Pain: 0

The final challenge - a mystery sting that will be revealed based on community research and scientific discovery. This level represents the unknown frontiers of entomological pain research.

Risks

  • Unknown intensity
  • Unpredictable reactions
  • Experimental nature

Educational Value

  • Research methodology
  • Scientific discovery
  • Community collaboration

Important Safety Notice

All insect stings in this challenge are conducted under medical supervision with proper safety protocols. These insects are selected because they are non-lethal to healthy adults, but risks include allergic reactions, secondary infections, and intense pain. Always consult medical professionals before attempting any similar activities.

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