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Many large opossums (Didelphini) are immune to the venom of rattlesnakes and pit vipers and regularly prey upon these snakes. [46] This adaptation seems to be unique to the Didelphini, as their closest relative, the brown four-eyed opossum , is not immune to snake venom. [ 47 ]
The immunity was initially thought to come from an immune response leading to the production of antibodies, but in fact it comes from toxin-neutralizing proteins found in opossum serum. [7] [8] These proteins are produced by the opossum prior to any encounter with a venomous snake, thus this immunity is not learned but inherited. [7]
The common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), also called the southern or black-eared opossum [2] or gambá, and sometimes called a possum, is a marsupial species living from the northeast of Mexico to Bolivia (reaching the coast of the South Pacific Ocean to the central coast of Peru), including Trinidad and Tobago and the Windwards in the Caribbean, [2] where it is called manicou. [3]
Opossums don't look inviting but their benefits far outweigh their appearance, especially if there are dead trees in your woodlands. Opossums are nature's providers: Gentle marsupials don't get ...
Poison Ivy, a well-known toxic plant common in Texas especially during the spring and summer, causes an itchy painful rash. This is caused by its sap that has a clear liquid called urushiol.
The venom of the fer-de-lance is so potent that didelphine opossums (i.e., opossums like the Virginia opossum), which are normally immune to the venom of pit vipers and rattlesnakes, are still capable of succumbing to the venom of this snake. This is especially the case if the opossum is not fully grown (and thus the venom is more concentrated ...
Poison oak is a leafy shrub that grows in shady areas of your yard where it can reach six feet in height. The leaves and stems of the western poison oak plant ( Toxicodendron ) can release an oil ...
Virginia opossums can vary considerably in size, with larger specimens found to the north of the opossum's range and smaller specimens in the tropics. They measure 33–55 cm (13–22 in) long from their snout to the base of the tail, with the tail adding another 25–54 cm (9.8–21.3 in).