5 Unusual Toxic Animals and Their Chemical Weapons

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Blue-Capped Ifrit

Blue-capped ifrits ingest toxic beetles, acquiring batrachotoxins. These poisonous birds from New Guinea can induce numbness and sneezing in humans.

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Blue Ringed Octopus

The blue-ringed octopus carries lethal venom, including tetrodotoxin, which can cause paralysis and breathing difficulties. Quick artificial respiration can aid survival after its bite.

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Platypus

The platypus, a unique mammal that lays eggs, can deliver a venomous attack from spurs on its hind limbs, causing excruciating pain lasting weeks or even months that doesn't respond well to morphine.

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Cone Snails

Cone snails' venom, while deadly, is rich in conotoxins. This has sparked interest in pharmaceutical research for potential new treatments for various diseases.

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Komodo Dragon

Komodo dragons, the largest living reptiles, were believed to be non-venomous. However, recent studies suggest their bites, which cause rapid swelling and pain, may deliver venomous proteins.

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