“Earth’s Most Venomous Animals” – Part 1

This month we start a new series about the most venomous animals on the planet. Of course, there are different ways of measuring toxicity. One could ask what animal’s venom packs the biggest punch per ml. Or we could consider what single animal bite is the most dangerous. Or we might measure which animal is responsible for killing the most people (probably the mosquito). But our focus will be on the venom itself, as we consider three marine creatures and three land creatures that are amazingly toxic. Often considered the most venomous animal on the Earth, the Box Jellyfish (pictured above) is an amazing creature. These jellies are active day hunters that pursue prey like shrimp and smaller fish. The Box Jellyfish has 24 sets of eyes, located at the bottom of the bell. The different eyes perform unique functions, like navigating or spotting prey. The jellyfish’s tentacles can extend out up to 10 ft. and are covered with millions of specialized stinging cells. Each cell contains a harpoon-like structure loaded with venom. When the cells are triggered by chemical and pressure cues, the harpoon shoots out at high speed and injects the venom. The toxin cause excruciating pain and can lead to complete heart failure in minutes. The jelly uses its venom both to stun prey and as defense against predators like turtles, crabs, and butterfish. Truly this humble creature is a wonder of God’s creative design!