SCORE, Term 3 Animal Venom N3 & N4
CATERPILLAR VENOM COULD BE USED TO MAKE MEDICINE
The venom contained in the spikes of the caterpillar of the mottled cup moth could be used to make
medicines and pest control. Picture: Jiayi Jin, University of Queensland
The venom of a common Australian caterpillar could be used to fight diseases in humans
and livestock, new research has found.
University of Queensland researchers have discovered the caterpillars of the mottled cup
moth, commonly found in eastern Australia, have a complex* venom that could be used
to make medicines and pest control.
The study’s lead researcher Dr Andrew Walker said the venom of the Doratifera vulnerans
caterpillar, whose scientific name means “bearer of the gifts of wounds”, was made up of
151 toxins*, some of which had the potential to be used to kill parasites* and bacteria* that
cause disease.
“Previously researchers had no idea what was in the venom or how they induce pain,” Dr
Walker said.
“We found that the venom is mostly peptides* and shows stunning complexity*, containing
151 different protein*-based toxins* from 59 different families.”
The research team made 13 of the peptides in the
laboratory, with some showing very high power and the
potential to kill infections in humans.
The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences, also found the peptides
could possibly kill a parasite that is harmful to livestock.
Dr Walker said venoms used by animals as defences
against predators were previously thought to be simple in
composition*. The cup moth caterpillar, which is typically
green, red or brown in appearance, has clusters of stinging
spines which are displayed when disturbed.
A close-up of the venomous spines
of the caterpillar of the mottled cup
moth. Picture: Jiayi Jin, University
of Queensland
SCORE, Term 3 Animal Venom N3 & N4
The spines, containing a venom similar to spiders,
wasps, bees and ants, are thought to have
evolved as a defence against predation* by birds
and other animals.
Dr Walker said the caterpillar tucked away its
spines when it didn’t need them, probably to
preserve its venom.
But if the caterpillar was attacked by a predator
or even if someone lightly brushed against it, the
spines injected liquid venom that caused a sharp
or burning pain similar to a bee sting.
GLOSSARY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Mottled Cup Moth ( Doratifera vulnerans)
SCORE, Term 3 Animal Venom N3 & N4
Monday
●
●
Tuesday
●
SKETCH WORD VOCABULARY
Using the 9 panels sketch out the words from the glossary
with a word which also defines it.
Wednesday
●
●
Individual read
SUMMARY
Use the 5W & H model to help you find the key points of
this article. Read the article carefully to locate who and
what this article is about, and where, when, why and how
this is happening. Once you have located this information
in the article, use it to write a paragraph that summarises
the article.
Thursday
● Class read
Friday
Teacher read
Clunk words
● Record all the technical words to form the glossary and
write the definition.
●
QUICK QUIZ
1. Which moth are these caterpillars from?
2. Where are these moths and caterpillars found?
3. How many toxins were found in the caterpillar’s
venom?
4. How does the caterpillar inject its venom?
5. Which university carried out the research?
●
●
Individual read
EXPERT TASK
Can you identify the animals in the graphic below?
Label them if you can. Next chose one and find out
more on what scientists discovered about their venom.
Write a list of uses science found for their venom.
SCORE, Term 3 Animal Venom N3 & N4