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Frogs Defy Venom: Eat Hornets Despite Multiple Stings

12/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

Japanese black-spotted pond frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) resist giant Asian hornet venom and feed on hornets despite multiple stings.
In the study led by Professor Shinji Sugiura, 79% of attacked frogs swallowed hornets without harm.
The researchers say the frogs may have evolved mechanisms to tolerate pain and venom, aiding understanding of pain modulation and venom resistance in vertebrates.
Future research will identify the physiological traits enabling this extraordinary tolerance.

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Story summary

Japanese black-spotted pond frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) resist giant Asian hornet venom and feed on hornets despite multiple stings.
In the study led by Professor Shinji Sugiura, 79% of attacked frogs swallowed hornets without harm.
The researchers say the frogs may have evolved mechanisms to tolerate pain and venom, aiding understanding of pain modulation and venom resistance in vertebrates.
Future research will identify the physiological traits enabling this extraordinary tolerance.