Venomous animals are those that produce toxic substances that are actively introduced into the victim through specific inoculation devices. Stingers, chelicerae and teeth are some of the structures used by these animals to inoculate the venom. Venomous animals differ from venomous ones in that the latter do not have structures specialized in injecting venom, presenting a passive defense.
Some of the best-known venomous animals are snakes, however not all snakes are venomous. As an example of a venomous snake, we can mention the rattlesnake. Venomous animals can be very dangerous, with some poisons being potentially fatal. Therefore, it is important to be aware and avoid situations that may favor the occurrence of these accidents.
Read too: Armed spider — a venomous species that has a potent and lethal venom
Summary about venomous animals
Animals venomous are those that have structures capable of inoculating the poison they produce.
“Poisonous” and “venomous” are terms that should not be used interchangeably.
Poisonous animals have a passive defense.
Some snakes and spiders, as well as animals such as wasps, bees and centipedes, are examples of venomous animals.
Some venomous animals produce highly toxic poisons.
Keeping the yard clean, wearing gloves and shoes when gardening and always inspecting shoes before putting them on are measures that can prevent accidents with venomous animals.
In case of an accident, seek medical attention immediately.
What does it mean to say that an animal is venomous?
We say that an animal is venomous when it produces toxic substances which are introduced into the victim with the help of specific inoculation devices, such as spines, chelicerae, teeth and stingers. The venomous animal uses this capacity to inject your poison to ward off possible predators and also to kill or help capture their prey.
Venomous animals and poisonous animals
“Venomous” and “poisonous” are two well-known terms used to talk about animals capable of producing toxic substances. Although they are often used as synonyms, we should not use them in this way.
As highlighted in the previous topic, the venomous animal has the ability to inject the venom it produces, unlike so-called poisonous animals. Poisonous animals have a defense that we call passive, with the venom only being released in situations such as when the animal is compressed or bitten, for example.
As an example of poisonous animals we can mention the pufferfish and some species of amphibians. It is worth noting that for a long time amphibians were considered only poisonous animals, however some species have already been identified as capable of injecting toxins as a defense.
Know more: Can frogs release poison?
Examples of venomous animals
One of the best-known venomous animals are snakes. However, it is important to highlight that Not all snakes are venomous, this being the case of boa constrictor and from anaconda. Among the venomous snakes we can mention pit vipers, true coral snakes and rattlesnakes.
In addition to snakes, other venomous animals that deserve mention are some spiders, such as the black widow and the Brown spider, scorpions, centipedes, bees, wasps, wasps, jellyfish, Portuguese caravel and some fish, like the catfish.
See too:True and false coral snakes — one is venomous, the other is poisonous
Accidents with venomous animals
Venomous animals can, in some situations, cause accidents in humans. Some toxins are very powerful and can cause, for example, vomiting, agitation, accelerated heartbeat, necrotizing lesions and even death.
➝ How to avoid?
Some measures that can help prevent accidents with venomous animals are:
keep yards always clean and grass trimmed;
when carrying out gardening or rural activities, always use suitable gloves and shoes;
avoid climbing plants near houses;
do not put your hand under trunks, debris, construction material, termite mounds and tree hollows;
do not disturb wasps and beehives;
always check clothes and shoes before using them;
move beds away from walls;
clean behind curtains, furniture and pictures;
use screens on doors, windows and drains;
keep basements and garages organized, not using them as storage;
clean drains and grease traps.
➝ What to do in case of an accident?
In case of accidents with venomous animals, it is important stay calm and seek medical help, since, depending on the species, the venom can be highly toxic. In the case of snake, scorpion and spider bites, some general measures that should be taken are to avoid using homemade recipes and never use tourniquets, incisions or suction of the venom.
In case of jellyfish accidents, washing with sea water is recommended. Using fresh water can cause more venom to be injected. The injury causes intense pain and can leave marks on the skin.
In the case of accidents with bees, the need to remove the stinger and wash the affected area is highlighted. To remove the stinger, it is important never to press on it, in order to prevent more venom from being inoculated. In the case of this type of accident, it is important Special attention with allergic individuals and with people who were stung several times.
