Vertebrates:
* Fish: Some fish, like the pufferfish, stonefish, and scorpionfish, have venomous spines.
* Amphibians: Frogs (especially poison dart frogs), salamanders, and newts have venomous skin secretions.
* Reptiles: Snakes (vipers, cobras, sea snakes, etc.) use venom to subdue prey. Lizards like the Gila monster and beaded lizard also have venom.
* Mammals: The platypus and echidna are the only venomous mammals. Their venom is delivered through spurs on their hind legs.
Invertebrates:
* Insects: Bees, wasps, ants, and scorpions inject venom through stings or pincers. Some caterpillars, like the puss caterpillar, have venomous hairs.
* Spiders: Many spiders inject venom through fangs. Black widow spiders, brown recluse spiders, and funnel-web spiders are well-known examples.
* Cnidarians: Jellyfish, sea anemones, and corals have stinging cells called nematocysts. These contain venom that can paralyze prey.
* Mollusks: Some snails and octopuses produce venom that can be injected through a beak or a specialized tooth.
* Echinoderms: Starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers have venomous spines or tube feet.
Important Notes:
* Poison vs. Venom: It's important to distinguish between poison and venom. Poison is ingested or absorbed (think poison ivy), while venom is injected.
* Defense vs. Offense: Venomous animals primarily use their venom for defense, but some, like spiders, use it to subdue prey.
* Not all animals in a category are venomous: For example, not all snakes are venomous.
* The level of venom toxicity varies: Some animals have venom that can cause mild pain or irritation, while others have venom that can be deadly.
If you're ever concerned about an animal's venom, consult with a medical professional.