A Good
Book.
A quick browse of the first chapter of this compact volume will
intrigue readers sufficiently to want to know more. This intro-
duction to the world of venom contains some remarkable facts
and figures. For example, there are over 200,000 known
species of venomous animals (nearly 15% of all described
animal species); venomous snakes are responsible for approxi-
mately 100,000 human deaths every year, while scorpions and
spiders kill around 5,000 people annually; and the largest and
heaviest venomous creature is probably the Colossal Squid
(Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni). But it’s not all bad! Some toxins
have important applications in research. Synthetic versions of a
peptide contained in the venom of the Gila Monster
(Heloderma suspectum) are at the heart of the best-selling anti-
diabetes drugs.
The important distinctions between venom and poison are also
clearly defined, again with some interesting twists. The active
functional ingredients of venom are typically peptides and
proteins, which are generally useless if ingested, as they are
quickly broken down by stomach acids. Venoms are almost
always produced by specialised cells in the species concerned,
whereas many poisons are not made by the organisms which
use them for defence, but derived from dietary items.
The second chapter immediately presents an overwhelming
diversity of venomous creatures, and highlights the variety in
form, lifestyle and the method of delivery: from the modified
radula of cone snails to the penetrating ribs of a newt. Venom
has some surprising roles other than predation and defence, and
this is also examined in some detail.
Chapter three contains graphic descriptions of the havoc that
venoms can wreak in a body of a victim, and explores the
complexity of the cocktail of toxins therein, together with how
venoms are extracted and studied by scientists. The power and
target selectivity of venom is further expanded in chapter four.
The continuing evolution of venom, and the relationship be-
tween predator and prey forms the subject of chapter 5. Venom
has evolved independently more than 40 times amongst arthro-
pods alone. Ironically, the Egyptian Mongoose (Herpestes
ichneumon) and the Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) are
both able to prey upon venomous snakes by exploiting the
same method of resistance to the venom that the snakes use
themselves (modification of the target site of the neurotoxins).
Next the irrational fear and compulsive fascination engendered
by venomous creatures (snakes in particular) are investigated in
chapter 6. Traditional methods of dealing with snakebite are
discussed, along with the use of venom and venomous crea-
tures in traditional cultures, and the development of therapeutic
drugs derived from venom.
Finally, chapter 7 encapsulates the role of venom through the
microcosm of honeybees.
CSIRO Publishing; Paperback; 208pp; 230 x 173
mm; AUD $29.95; ISBN 9781486308378.
This book is an enlightening and entertaining read. It is
beautifully illustrated with full colour photos and diagrams,
and is recommended reading for reptile keepers wanting to
find out a little more than merely which animals can inject
nasty chemicals and which can’t!