Research Project
Full description Venoms are biochemical arsenals that have emerged in numerous animal lineages, where they have coevolved with morphological and behavioural traits for venom production and delivery. In centipedes, venom evolution is thought to be constrained by the morphological complexity of their venom glands due to physiological limitations on the number of toxins produced by their secretory cells. Here, we show that the uneven toxin expression that results from these limitations have enabled Scolopendra morsitans to regulate the composition of their secreted venom despite the lack of gross morphologically complex venom glands. We show that this control is likely achieved by heterogenous toxin distribution and a dual mechanism of venom secretion that involves neuromuscular innervation as well as stimulation via neurotransmitters. Our results suggest behavioural control over venom composition may be an overlooked aspect of venom biology and provide an example of how exaptation can facilitate evolutionary innovation and novelty.