The Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous

Mary Kirkland
Mary Kirkland, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Oct 8, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
The words venomous and poisonous are sometimes used interchangeably and that would be incorrect because there is a difference between a poisonous animal or insect and a venomous animal or insect.

Venomous

A venomous animal or insect will inject venom into humans, animals or insects usually by biting or stinging. Some types of venomous animal or insects would be, centipedes, scorpions, bee's, wasps, brown recluse spiders, black widow spiders, Box Jelly fish, King Cobra, Black Mamba, Marbled Cone Snail are just to name a few.

Poisonous

A poisonous animal or insect does not have to inject their poison because their entire body or parts of their body are poisonous. Just touching some types of frogs can cause the poison on their bodies to give a human blisters. According to ncaquariums.org, "A number of animals are venomous, with snakes being first to come to mind. It's interesting to note, however, that no snake species have ever been known to be poisonous, nor do they have toxin-producing glands on their skin that could be absorbed or ingested to cause harm."

Some plants can also be poisonous. Poison Ivy and poison oak for example. If you have ever rubbed up against either of these plants and been driven crazy by the itching it produces, you know what I mean.

Harmless

Just because an animal or insect has been labeled harmless doesn't mean it cannot bite, sting or hurt you. A harmless snake can still bite you, but because its venom or teeth don't inject a venom into your skin that could hurt or kill you, they are considered harmless.

Pets such as Dogs, Cats or Rats are considered harmless because they are not venomous or poisonous, but they have teeth and if they bite you, it will hurt but you won't be envenomed or poisoned.

Because we fear being stung or bitten by venomous animals and insects we sometimes forget that in most cases a venomous animal or insect will only strike when provoked. They are much more likely to retreat if given the chance. Because when an animal or insect attacks, it is very likely to get killed in the process of the attack.

Sources:

http://www.ncaquariums.org/askaquarium/venomous.htm

Published by Mary Kirkland

Mary is originally from Redondo Beach, California and now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and daughter. Mary has had extensive experience with small animal care as well as rescuing and re-homing....  View profile

  • What animals are poisonous.
  • What animals are venomous.
  • What does it mean when an animal is harmless.
Cats are labeled as harmless but can do a lot of damage if they bite a person.

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