A team of biologists from James Cook University explored whether spider venom can shift with changing moods and surroundings. The findings were released in a peer-reviewed journal, PLOS ONE.
Researchers noted that certain venom components may align with specific behavioral and physiological traits in spiders. They described these connections as context-dependent, suggesting that the toxicity of venom can vary with the animal’s internal state.
The study focused on four Australian funnel-web spiders: Hadronyche valida, Hadronyche infensa, Hadronyche cerberea, and Atrax robustus, all recognized among the most venomous spiders globally.
Three experiments formed the core of the work. In the first, researchers simulated predatory scenarios by introducing air puffs and gentle pokes with forceps. The second experiment placed spiders with close relatives to observe social influences, and the third allowed exploration of unfamiliar territories. Throughout, heart rate served as a proxy for metabolic rate because it reflects physiological arousal during each scenario.
Venom samples collected after each phase were analyzed with mass spectrometry to gauge variations in toxicity. The results showed that venom properties in Hadronyche valida, Hadronyche infensa, and Hadronyche cerberea remained largely stable despite external conditions. In Atrax robustus, however, venom toxicity correlated with heart rate and perceived threat, indicating a link between internal state and venom potency.
The researchers emphasized that understanding how spiders synthesize and control venom could open avenues for medical applications and toxin research, potentially informing new therapeutic approaches or safer antivenoms.
Overall, the study highlights a dynamic aspect of venom biology, where behavioral context and physiological state can influence venom characteristics in some species, while others show little or no such dependence.