As if its appearance wasn’t odd enough, the male platypus is also venomous. Sharp spurs on its hind legs can deliver a powerful venom, especially during the breeding season. The venom isn’t ...

The male platypus has sharp spurs on its hind legs that can deliver a painful, sometimes debilitating venom. While not deadly to humans, the venom can cause intense pain and swelling.

So, while co-opting these genes seems to be a common strategy for evolving venoms, the details of the gene duplications reveal that platypus venom and snake venom are independently derived features.

The platypus has a range of features that make it quite unlike any other animal. With a large bill, a paddle-like tail, webbed feet and a furry body, this funny-looking animal produces venom that ...

We have chosen the most poisonous snake, the inland taipan, the most lethal spider, the funnel web, and the much under-recognised platypus, whose bashful personality hides a set of poisonous spurs ...

Watch the Museum's venom evolution expert, Dr Ronald Jenner, explore the toxic tactics of the platypus. Despite its odd look, the platypus is perfectly adapted to its environment. It has a furry, ...