Venom

Discover the fascinating, gelatinous world of jellyfish, from painful stings to brilliant bioluminescence. 

They might not have legs, but snakes are outpacing their relatives in the race to evolve.

Sea urchins can be found in every ocean on Earth. They’ve been around for 450 million years - but are they now at risk?

Sea snakes are often feared. But are they dangerous or do we just need to get to know them better?

Blue-ringed octopuses are stunning animals. But their flashy rings are not an idle threat. 

Snakebite is one of the world’s deadliest neglected health issues. But what does venom actually do to you?

Officials are investigating after over 60 endangered penguins were reportedly stung to death by bees.

Meet the delightfully fuzzy wasps with an arsenal of defences that make them nearly impervious to attacks by hungry predators.

Toxic proteins from bacteria have helped centipedes with their own arsenel. 

Which is bigger, an anaconda or a python? Discover some of the world's giant snakes.

With a dramatic nickname and a taste for honeybees, Asian giant hornets are causing panic in North America.

Analysis of centipede venom reveals a huge difference between the groups.

We may be relying on venom and the animals that produce it more often than we think.

Wasps and humans may have a rocky relationship. But should these insects be revered rather than feared?

There are four species of snake found in Britain - but are they dangerous to people?

Steve Ludwin explains why he has been injecting himself with snake venom for decades. 

Have you ever seen a cobra spit venom in super slow motion?

Meet some of the animals whose search for a mate may actually be physically painful.

Watch Dr Ronald Jenner explore the venomous puzzle that the platypus poses.

Meet the amphibians with an unusual defence tactic. 

Are killer bees really as dangerous as their name suggests?

From snake-filled projectiles and medieval remedies to the very first antivenom, our relationship with venomous creatures has a colourful history. 

Every autumn there are reports of false widow spiders becoming uninvited eight-legged houseguests across the UK.

Better watch out - these insects consider your seasonal decor their dinner.

Meet the brightly coloured sea slugs committing serial stinging-cell crimes.

Go behind the scenes to find out what it takes put on a major exhibition at the Museum. 

What insect sting feels like you’re walking over flaming charcoal? Is there anything more painful?

Venomous creatures are everywhere - including in your dinner.

Find out how the Gila monster's venom has the ability to save lives.

Venom and poison can both be deadly, but they're two distinct natural weapons.  

Do vampire bats really deserve their blood-sucking reputation?

Find out about five animals that you might not expect to be venomous

Armed with one of the most painful stings on the planet, tarantula hawks are a spider's worst nightmare.

A team led by a Museum scientist has discovered a new species of Australian death adder in the Kimberley region of the country.

Some of our scientists go to extreme lengths for their research, diving into deep and dangerous underwater caves.

Scientists studying the venom of bloodworms for the first time have discovered why it can cause severe allergic reactions similar to that of a bee sting.