Justin Schmidt is an entomologist with a job that few would envy: he classifies the level of pain of insect stings on a scale that is colloquially referred to as the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. As part of his research, Schmidt has experienced no fewer than 1,000 stings in his lifetime. In this fascinating article from Atlas Obscura, visitors can learn more about Schmidt's work and explore a detailed chart of his Pain Index. This chart shows thirty insects and their ranking from 1 (least painful) to 4 (most painful). Each insect is also accompanied by a colorful description. For example, the Iridescent Cockroach Hunter is described as "Itchy with a hint of sharpness. A single stinging nettle pricked your hand." In contrast, the Red Paper Wasp, which ranks as a formidable 3, is described as "Caustic and burning. Distinctly Bitter aftertaste. Like spilling a beaker of hydrochloric acid on a paper cut."