Overview

• A study led by Dr. Ronald Jenner in Trends in Ecology & Evolution defines venom as any internally delivered secretion that manipulates another organism’s physiology.
• The broadened definition classifies sap-sucking insects such as aphids, cicadas and shield bugs as venomous for injecting phytotoxic agents into plants to suppress defenses.
• Courtship secretions that affect mate behavior, including garden snails’ love-darts and toxin injections by slugs and blowflies, also qualify as venom under the new framework.
• Researchers propose distinguishing zootoxic venom, which targets animals, from phytotoxic venom, directed at plants, to reflect venom’s varied functions.
• By adding tens of thousands of species to the venomous roster, the study paves the way for new research collaborations and advances in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.