Venom

Encounter some of the world's most venomous creatures and discover their surprising connection to human health. See the world through the eyes of both predator and prey and explore the effects of venom and the role it plays in the natural world.

NEWS

Should we be scared of British snakes?

23 August 2018

There are four species of snake found in Britain - but are they dangerous to humans?
The man who injects himself with venom

24 May 2018

Steve Ludwin explains why he has been injecting himself with snake venom for decades.
Face-to-face with spitting cobras

11 May 2018

Have you ever seen a cobra spit venom in super slow motion?
The sting of love

30 April 2018

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

The platypus puzzle

19 March 2018

Watch Dr Ronald Jenner explore the venomous puzzle that the platypus poses.
Can frogs be venomous?

9 February 2018

Meet the amphibians with an unusual defence tactic.
Killer bees: a deadly swarm

29 January 2018

Are killer bees really as dangerous as their name suggests?
COLLECTIONS

Mastering venom

15 January 2018

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

How dangerous are false widow spiders?

15 December 2017

Every autumn there are reports of false widow spiders becoming uninvited eight-legged houseguests in homes across the UK.
Grinch bugs: the heartless insects making a meal of Christmas

8 December 2017

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

Nudibranchs: psychedelic thieves of the sea

16 November 2017

Meet the brightly coloured sea slugs committing serial stinging-cell crimes.
Behind the scenes: The making of Venom

14 May 2018

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

The venomous animals on your plate

8 November 2017

Venomous creatures are everywhere - including in your dinner.
Meet the monster whose bite is saving lives

6 November 2017

Find out how the Gila monster's venom has the ability to save lives.
Bite or be bitten

1 November 2017

Venom and poison can both be deadly, but they're two distinct natural weapons.
Do vampire bats drink blood?

31 October 2017

Do vampire bats really deserve their blood-sucking reputation?
Five surprisingly venomous animals

27 October 2017

Find out about five animals that you might not expect to be venomous
The most painful wasp sting in the world explained

7 September 2017

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

Vast biodiversity database now available to all

21 December 2016

Scientists have a new 'big data' tool to study how human activity affects the planet's biodiversity, with the publication of a gigantic database that compiles studies from across the globe.
Risking life and limb for venom

8 January 2015

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

Fishing-bait bloodworms have bee-sting bites

6 September 2014

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.