Where does the platypus's poison come from?

Answer 1

Platypuses do not have poison; they have venom.

The venom can paralyse a victim just by its severity. People who have been "spurred" by a platypus report that the pain is strong enough to cause vomiting that may last for days, weeks or sometimes even months. The pain cannot be relieved by morphine and other standard pain-killing drugs. It seems the only way it can be relieved is through anaesthesia of the main nerve from the spur site.

Answer 2

The male platypus has a venomous spur on each of his hind ankles, though the females do not. They use them to ward off enemies and predators, and sometimes when protecting his mating female. It is unknown whether or not platypuses use their venomous spurs in territorial disputes or to assert their dominance against other males.

Answer 3

Platypuses have venom, not poison. Male platypuses have a hollow spur on each of their rear ankles, with which they inject the venom. The venom is attached to a venom gland positioned in the platypus's thigh.

Answer 4

Only the male platypus has a venomous spur on each of his hind ankles: the female does not. Little research has been able to be done on platypuses, given that they are reclusive creatures. As near as can be determined, the venomous spur is used by the male to ward off enemies and predators, and sometimes when protecting his mating female. It is unknown whether or not platypuses use their venomous spurs in territorial disputes or to assert their dominance against other males.

Answer 5

The male platypus's venom comes from a venom gland located in the platypus's thigh. This gland delivers venom to a hollow spur behind the platypus's hind ankle.