Chemical Weaponry in Animals

We only have one venomous snake species in the UK - the adder - but many more creatures around the world employ venom and poison as weapons!
About this Event

Kevin Arbuckle, who’s head of the Macroevolution and Ecology of Toxic Animals Lab (METALab) at Swansea University will give a fascinating talk about many of those diverse species - essentially telling us about venom across the tree of life.

The talk, organised by the Swansea group of the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, will take place at St Hilary’s Church Community Hall, Killay, Swansea at 7.30pm on Tuesday October 20th.

“The talk will survey the diversity of chemical weaponry from poisons and venoms to altogether more unusual strategies,” says Kevin.

He’ll also tell what the these dangerous substances are used for and look at the evolutionary implications.

In the course of his research, Kevin has got up close and personal with some of the most venomous creatures in the world - including a forest cobra (pictured) standing proud as it reared up with a spread hood to face a threat.

Among others, he’ll be talking about scorpions, snakes, spiders and giant centipedes which deliver venomous pinches with their pair of front legs!

Even the coral that makes tropical reefs so beautiful carries its own stinging cells very similar to those of jellyfish, which it uses to catch food and repel predators.

The talk is suitable for all including families with youngsters over the age of 10. Children need to be accompanied by adults. No dogs except assistance dogs. The hall is fully accessible with parking close by, accessible toilets and wheelchair access to the hall.

We ask for a donation of minimum £2 per adult towards our Trust group costs. We’ll be serving tea, coffee and cold drinks with biscuits from 7.15 to 7.30pm when the talk starts.

Images © Kevin Arbuckle.

The beautiful green pitvipers of Southeast Asia are responsible for many bites on humans across the region

A UK native jumping spider - the characteristically curious zebra spider - looks up to see what is going on in the world

Giant centipedes are fast and typically angry invertebrates that don't bite but instead have a venomous 'pinch' with their front pair of legs.

An Asian forest scorpion found hiding under a log during the day. These animals can be easily found active at night because shining UV lights makes them glow fluorescent blue-green.