Frog Devours 'Murder Hornet' Untouched by Deadly Sting

A recent study has revealed that Japanese pond frogs possess an astonishing immunity to the venomous stings of the northern giant hornet, even while consuming them. Biologist Shinji Sugiura's observations showed frogs being stung multiple times, including around sensitive areas like their mouths and eyes, without suffering apparent harm or mortality.

These findings highlight a fascinating evolutionary arms race between amphibians and their insect prey. While the northern giant hornet's sting is lethal to many animals, including mice, it appears to be ineffective against these resilient frogs. This suggests the hornet's venom may be specifically adapted to target predators like birds and mammals, rather than amphibians.

This unique physiological adaptation in frogs could offer valuable insights for human health. Researchers are exploring whether these amphibians have developed mechanisms to suppress pain or resist venom, which could potentially lead to new strategies for managing pain and inflammation in humans.