Venom, a complex chemical cocktail, brings about a biochemical process launched by a mere prick from a venomous animal. Many people imagine that venomous animals are aggressive, but the truth is that most go to great lengths to avoid using their venom. Because venom is expensive to produce from an energy standpoint and is the key to their survival, most animals catch their prey without using venom if at all possible. These animals use a variety of warning strategies to discourage aggressors. For example, red is a color that usually signals stop or danger in the animal world.
Humans use it on stop signs, emergency vehicles, and railroad crossings.
Animals like cow killer ants and black widow spiders display it on their abdomens, while the coral snake is wrapped in red warning stripes. Behaviors, like a rattling rattlesnake or a hooding cobra also offer warnings. Some, however, are active, like the foraging bullet ants. Habitats of venomous animals range from barren deserts to vibrant coral reefs to lush jungles, all of which are represented in the exhibit. The exhibit space will illustrate the tension and intrigue that are the essence of life for venomous animals.