June 2009 PMID 19451641

A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) priscus.

Bryan G Fry, Stephen Wroe, Wouter Teeuwisse, Matthias J P van Osch, Karen Moreno, Janette Ingle, Colin McHenry, Toni Ferrara, Phillip Clausen, Holger Scheib, Kelly L Winter, Laura Greisman, Kim Roelants, Louise van der Weerd, Christofer J Clemente

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Mentions

129

Peak: 27 in Feb 2025

across 6 sources since Oct 2020

Extended reach

4,130,681

potential audience

Total likes

55,870

Video views

3,803,225

Mentions per month

Oct 2020 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter87 posts
News17 articles
Blogs14 articles
Facebook6 posts
Bluesky3 posts
YouTube2 videos

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall sentiments emphasize the significance of the research, with many posters referencing specific studies like Fry et al. 2009 to support the venomous nature of Komodo dragons and their extinct relatives, demonstrating a high level of engagement and interest that challenges past misconceptions and explores potential medical applications.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions accept and support the article's conclusion that Komodo dragons and similar ancient species are venomous, citing scientific studies like Fry et al. 2009.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high curiosity, referencing detailed scientific data, ancient species, and potential medical uses of venom peptides.

EngagementHigh engagement

Many posts analyze, question, or elaborate on the research, indicating deep involvement and thoughtful discussion.

ImpactHigh impact

Discussions challenge old myths, advance understanding of venom's role, and highlight scientific progress and its broader implications.

Abstract in brief

The study explores how Komodo dragons and their extinct giant relatives used a combination of skull mechanics, bacteria, and venom for hunting, with evidence pointing towards venom playing a central role rather than bacteria.
The Komodo dragon's skull is designed more for resisting pulling forces rather than generating high bite forces, and its venom includes substances that prevent blood clotting and cause shock, helping to subdue prey.
Fossil comparisons suggest that the extinct giant Varanus Megalania was likely the largest venomous animal in history, highlighting the significance of venom in their predatory strategies.]

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Understanding the Role of Venom in Komodo Dragon Predation

This video explores how Komodo dragons and their extinct relatives used skull mechanics, bacteria, and venom for hunting, with evidence highlighting venom's central role in subduing prey and its significance in their…

Real Science · Feb 15, 2025 3,770,472 views

Prehistoric Australia’s Largest Lizard Megalania and Its Venomous Predation

This video explores Megalania, the largest prehistoric lizard from Australia, highlighting its origins, physical features, distribution, hunting strategies involving venom, and its extinction, emphasizing the role of…

The Overseer · Feb 26, 2024 28,676 views

Megalania: Australia's Largest Land Lizard and Its Evolutionary Insights

Still 50,000 years ago, Australia was home to Megalania, the largest land lizard in history. This video explores its biology, evolution, and how its muscles supported gigantism, shedding light on reptilian evolution and…

PaleontologiaTV · Mar 4, 2023 4,077 views

curiosity649

@curiousity649 · X

@koutatv620 気になって調べたのですが、毒が細菌によるものであるというのは間違いの可能性がありそうです…(毒なくても感染しそうだけど) https://t.co/X0EdfxeKC1 https://t.co/rwsE102FMU ギズモードに出てきた論文(多分あってるはず？) https://t.co/4l958KcE7p

Oct 28, 2025 · 1 like · 38 followers View post →

Violet

@yourcolorviolet · X

very cool insights on the politics of science https://t.co/QeCrcQWXaU https://t.co/nJmg9Zrrl3

Oct 11, 2025 · 1,405 followers View post →

(RIZFERD) Rizki Ferdian

@boizqi · X

https://t.co/APEfQ7ZdkE

Sep 30, 2025 · 67 followers View post →

godchiefhammurrabbi

@chiefhammergod · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/3FzQvaDppb via @YouTube

Sep 25, 2025 · 1,008 followers View post →

ΔpxΔx≥h4π=ℏ2

@AffableZombie · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/ugHfgonyHT via @YouTube

Aug 29, 2025 · 202 followers View post →

Reginaldo Justolino

@justolinho · X

@biologia_braba Na real ainda tem um debate se é tóxico ou não. https://t.co/sgzzL37Sua

May 1, 2025 · 192 followers View post →

Alex

@uhohalexthinks · X

@AMAZlNGNATURE something new with these guys. Real Science did an excellent video on them recently. https://t.co/5nZ3OF4MNv

Apr 24, 2025 · 75 followers View post →

Ralph Weeaboo Emerson

@BigYehudah · X

RT @romans8research: Komodo Dragons [probably] uses sedative, anti-coagulant venom, eat 80% of their body weight (= to human eating 150 bur…

Apr 23, 2025 · 2 shares · 725 followers View post →

Florida Eco-Nationalist

@Romans8Shaman · X

RT @romans8research: Komodo Dragons [probably] uses sedative, anti-coagulant venom, eat 80% of their body weight (= to human eating 150 bur…

Apr 23, 2025 · 2 shares · 2,181 followers View post →

Cosmos Dreamer Isaac Kepler

@CuriousKepler · X

Komodo Dragons [probably] uses sedative, anti-coagulant venom, eat 80% of their body weight (= to human eating 150 burgers), are intelligent enough to like & dislike individuals, & have been observed engaging in play. // LInk: https://t.co/huUVnhMq4Q https://t.co/q2Rpy9YebP

Apr 23, 2025 · 5 likes · 2 shares · 101 followers View post →

Rosa Lundgren

@lundgren_rosa · X

@KittyCatJenna @gunsnrosesgirl3 I wish it was that simple: https://t.co/Qm2ErsrXDK

Apr 14, 2025 · 1 like · 186 followers View post →

¤·DarkFry·¤

@darkfrywarrior · X

RT @darkfrywarrior: A rare video about #MarkZuckerberg

Apr 10, 2025 · 1 share · 1,724 followers View post →

¤·DarkFry·¤

@darkfrywarrior · X

A rare video about #MarkZuckerberg

Apr 10, 2025 · 1 share · 1,724 followers View post →

ONYOUR6

@ONYOUR62 · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/0mgm0WRSwq via @YouTube

Mar 27, 2025 · 994 followers View post →

||ꦮꦸꦭꦤ꧀ꦝꦫꦶ

@beautalisman · X

Menarik~ https://t.co/m0F4BW8rKq

Mar 27, 2025 · 432 followers View post →

IKiTe

@ikite_tsas · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/kcpAO9ndsM @YouTubeより科普工作好难

Mar 21, 2025 · 37 followers View post →

ᯅ

@teel0ck · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/jy5FSh3AOo via @YouTube

Mar 21, 2025 · 784 followers View post →

Bengal Dragon

@TanTiger01 · X

FYI, I'm not an actual dragon from Komodo who identifies as a BLIND man. I'm an actual BLIND man lol The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/HTSjaAunwQ via @YouTube

Mar 12, 2025 · 83 followers View post →

Patrick Wrightson

@promethurious · X

@eyeslasho https://t.co/w0f5FQDZtr

Mar 9, 2025 · 1,004 followers View post →

bimiluisoop

@bimiluisoop · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/lpmgWMokAJ

Mar 9, 2025 · 1,416 followers View post →

Fa_da Mcr

@frianmr · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/kQnlC0ToZ6

Mar 8, 2025 · 266 followers View post →

voir

@gardevoir918 · X

Watch this @FaZeAdapt https://t.co/SDROaDlHyg

Mar 5, 2025 · 2 followers View post →

zwen-newz.bsky.social

@Zwen_NewZ · X

Komodo Dragon’s not being researched far more because the apparent top researchers of their field are blocking new studies from being done or even published is crazy. https://t.co/cGrlBhtJ7z

Feb 25, 2025 · 443 followers View post →

Tee-wonki's Diary (Vtuber)

@Twinklesparks1 · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/Zc5nfrmdzG a través de @YouTube

Feb 24, 2025 · 220 followers View post →

Paul J. Dauenhauer

@pauldauenhauer.bsky.social · Bluesky

youtu.be/1OSGNzrNXr8?...

Feb 24, 2025 · 1 share View post →

TechnicalBen

@_TechyBen · X

@demystifysci Bias in the medical industry. Example "There's not a single case of Comodo Dragons having Venom" etc: (Sadly, science is fast, humans are slow to update beliefs) https://t.co/CnwLOOtYsT

Feb 22, 2025 · 1,138 followers View post →

TechnicalBen

@_TechyBen · X

@skdh Wow, another example of "myth" being followed in the guise of science... and then sticking to the myth! :( Hard work of science blocked by the social stigma. https://t.co/CnwLOOtYsT

Feb 22, 2025 · 1,138 followers View post →

TechnicalBen

@_TechyBen · X

Your LLMs are following fairy tails. Because humanity follows fair tails. It's changing. But too slowly: https://t.co/CnwLOOtYsT

Feb 21, 2025 · 1,138 followers View post →

AcosmicOtaku

@AcosmicOtaku · X

@LibertyCappy Komodo Dragons weaponizing sepsis. https://t.co/mnKM7ntE2Z

Feb 20, 2025 · 94 followers View post →

Raymond Flores

@FloresRaymondIV · X

https://t.co/b1iRfOFcWS

Feb 20, 2025 · 1,842 followers View post →

semdel

@semdel2 · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/MkQowCy67s via @YouTube https://t.co/tTQ3zfj0Au

Feb 17, 2025 · 253 followers View post →

Paul Souverein

@PSouverein · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/mOcHQcSh7c via @YouTube

Feb 17, 2025 · 414 followers View post →

Ingydar

@kxingly · X

https://t.co/wrPTXLKSNP cool video if you guys r interested in this sort of thing

Feb 17, 2025 · 110 followers View post →

우유

@milkheavycream · X

https://t.co/cxwk3YKZIK 코모도드래곤이 침의 세균으로 사냥하는 게 아니라 ㄹㅇ 독이 있는 거일 수 있다고함 박테리아 침은 그냥 서식지특성상 생긴 오해라네요...

Feb 17, 2025 · 2 likes · 428 followers View post →

Basil

@PaleoBasil · X

RT @ShinyResurgence: Has anyone ever considered that maybe, just maybe, monitor lizards are actually capable of doing "dry bites" as snakes…

Feb 16, 2025 · 3 shares · 248 followers View post →

Vanessa

@nesfarm.bsky.social · Bluesky

Feb 16, 2025 View post →

Leoryders

@leoryders · X

Komodo dragons may be venomous, with toxins inducing hypotension & anticoagulation—new science challenges old beliefs. https://t.co/Y8FlfoTtI4

Feb 16, 2025 · 5 followers View post →

Sizzlin' Snakes

@SizzlingSnakes · X

RT @ShinyResurgence: Has anyone ever considered that maybe, just maybe, monitor lizards are actually capable of doing "dry bites" as snakes…

Feb 16, 2025 · 3 shares · 359 followers View post →

The Dead And The Decaying

@soundmirrors.bsky.social · Bluesky

I just want to know if Komodo Dragons are delicious. youtu.be/1OSGNzrNXr8

Feb 16, 2025 View post →

SRH Paleo

@SRHPaleo0384 · X

RT @ShinyResurgence: Has anyone ever considered that maybe, just maybe, monitor lizards are actually capable of doing "dry bites" as snakes…

Feb 16, 2025 · 3 shares · 292 followers View post →

Shiny Gander™ the Resurgence

@ShinyResurgence · X

Feb 16, 2025 · 27 likes · 3 shares · 1,146 followers View post →

IDENTITY ➣ Fira

@firaining · X

No way they release a video about my fav animal ever https://t.co/ATpNUNLccj https://t.co/LxUt8RLi7m

Feb 15, 2025 · 1 like · 402 followers View post →

Zord

@ZordHD93 · X

@DeDunkingPast https://t.co/3lhQCpGhI9 Apparently there are also the same problems that we see in archeology! The scientific community does not accept new theories, even with proven data! The stall is unbelievable This is crazy

Feb 15, 2025 View post →

yunanbird

@yunanbird · X

RT @yunanbird: This video is really useful because it shows alledged biologists reacting to new ideas like the fucking inquisition: https:/…

Feb 15, 2025 · 1 share · 1,162 followers View post →

yunanbird

@yunanbird · X

This video is really useful because it shows alledged biologists reacting to new ideas like the fucking inquisition: https://t.co/R7Os7o11QM

Feb 15, 2025 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,162 followers View post →

Kwesi Peters

@KwesiPeters · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/3vOlLdmZSw via @YouTube

Feb 15, 2025 · 15 followers View post →

Bagus Kuncoro Tanding

@etzionich · X

Seru ini. Gue penasaran yg dibilang di menit ke 17 tu siapa. Very Indonesian-coded. https://t.co/vAifZaGubq

Feb 15, 2025 · 131 followers View post →

Justan OlGuy

@JustanOlguy · X

The Apex Predator We Still Don't Understand https://t.co/cseoq3lWtE via @YouTube Herpy be Derpy!

Feb 15, 2025 · 4,967 followers View post →

ビクーピー

@B47197246 · X

https://t.co/4Ex2g17LW2

Sep 14, 2024 · 1 like · 1,897 followers View post →

官澤洋平 YK Hospitalist

@Yohei_Kanzawa · X

コモドドラゴンに咬まれると抗凝固作用のある毒によって、逃げ切っても失血で動けなくなったところを血液をたどってやってきたコモドドラゴンにゆっくり食べられてしまうらしい。おそろしい

Aug 19, 2024 · 2 likes · 3,306 followers View post →

官澤洋平 YK Hospitalist

@Yohei_Kanzawa · X

コモドドラゴンに咬まれると抗凝固作用のある毒よって、逃げ切っても失血で動けなくなったところを血液をたどってやってきたコモドドラゴンにゆっくり食べられてしまうらしい。おそろしい

Aug 19, 2024 · 1 like · 3,306 followers View post →

/ɹɑb/

@RobertBorland7 · X

@theshadyshane @givinguponman @juliette_alfa @socialaskan The Komodo dragons are also venomous. https://t.co/ABXmBJshkv

Mar 18, 2024 · 956 followers View post →

Gabriel

@noahfoxterz · X

RT @O_Especime: Referências Respiração: https://t.co/XFd5NPmm6X https://t.co/iuN3hiwU73 https://t.co/pADU3gHOYf https://t.co/zib9FbiZpr…

Mar 10, 2024 · 2 shares · 5,473 followers View post →

Haughty Imperialist

@HaughtyImperia2 · X

@Dendro_Gaster @RickyWhitmore8 @Yolkswagon @gunsnrosesgirl3 https://t.co/4xof4NDuIJ https://t.co/kg2z2QZX8n https://t.co/PjQ7SVzpfW https://t.co/0zUbu1Z7db

Mar 10, 2024 · 146 followers View post →

Marcel

@Marcel4X · X

The Largest Lizard To Walk The Earth | Megalania https://t.co/xYPwiTKdFb via @YouTube

Feb 26, 2024 · 459 followers View post →

森田佐和子

@dekisokoneko · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: コモドオオトカゲの毒についての論文です。 https://t.co/lTxH8Shprb #夏休み子ども科学電話相談

Feb 17, 2024 · 9 shares · 1,079 followers View post →

加藤ひろし / 恐竜のお兄さん @GBめぐりシリーズ公式アンバサダー

@Hiro_DinoPaleo · X

RT @Hiro_DinoPaleo: コモドオオトカゲの毒についての論文です。 https://t.co/lTxH8Shprb #夏休み子ども科学電話相談

Feb 17, 2024 · 9 shares · 4,958 followers View post →

Shapley Fürskyn

@shiva137 · X

RT @PNASNews: A study on Komodo Dragon hunting adaptations investigates the interplay between cranial mechanics, toxic bacteria, and venom.…

Feb 16, 2024 · 3 shares · 215 followers View post →

PNASNews

@PNASNews · X

Feb 16, 2024 · 11 likes · 3 shares · 181,472 followers View post →

はむの

@hmpydmpt · X

辰年なので、コモドドラゴンの毒って結局なんだったっけってこのあたり読んでる。 https://t.co/z7I2Br08j6

Dec 31, 2023 · 2 likes · 1,249 followers View post →

Chief Inno

@chief_inno · X

@Bag_grabber @Nagana_Fela @Auntyadaa Hello Funny guy

Oct 7, 2023 · 2,107 followers View post →

Chief Inno

@chief_inno · X

@Nagana_Fela @Bag_grabber @Auntyadaa I ask you to provide a published scientific article that proves that the Komodo Dragon has flesh eating bacteria responsible for killing prey. While at it, read the research article below. Awaiting ur response. https://t.co/DRSQQFemje

Oct 7, 2023 · 2,107 followers View post →

Incubus

@MorenoSeduzente · X

@NasakiPaty @Rudigle_rego @phmbueno @lippeparreira Eles tem peçonha, com efeito anticoagulante, a hipótese das bactérias caiu em desuso https://t.co/Z0rp5yIEyc https://t.co/SEfQZK6ZsL

Oct 7, 2023 · 2 likes · 87 followers View post →

Pedro Henrique Marinho

@baiacool_ · X

@jvitor_fonseca1 https://t.co/Hfonl5vP6s

Sep 25, 2023 · 397 followers View post →

Wittgenswine

@JohnMineHeart · X

@s_cfan42 @JanySchneider16 Die Legende war, dass es angeblich Bakterien im Speichel sind und nicht Gift. Aber das stimmt nicht. Sie sind giftig, können aber natürlich auch sofort durch Biss töten. https://t.co/0nWxzzEcvI

Aug 10, 2023 · 86 followers View post →

カズ

@taka3378 · X

RT @seasideline: コモドオオトカゲは口が細菌で汚染されてるのではなく、ちゃんと歯に毒管を持っていて獲物に流し込むシステムを持ってると。またひとつ知識がアップデートされてしまった。 https://t.co/RoLsG8pFpT

Jul 13, 2023 · 1 share · 901 followers View post →

TANEX

@seasideline · X

コモドオオトカゲは口が細菌で汚染されてるのではなく、ちゃんと歯に毒管を持っていて獲物に流し込むシステムを持ってると。またひとつ知識がアップデートされてしまった。 https://t.co/RoLsG8pFpT

Jul 13, 2023 · 6 likes · 1 share · 1,142 followers View post →

Guillermo Zabala

@drguillezabala · X

@jem_journal @aaeminfo Surgical assessment, broad spec atb (local policy, eg: coamox + gent, or piptaz, etc), ICU aware and discuss with regional toxicology expert. https://t.co/TLysPvy2Qd

Mar 30, 2023 · 765 followers View post →

Guillermo Zabala

@drguillezabala · X

@InYourFAECIUM @IDstewardship In 2009 Fry et al published a *fascinating* paper on the anatomy of glands and venom composition of Komodo dragons, amongst other data related to predatory tools. They are venomous, a mixture of hypothermia/hypotensive shock/coagulopathy inducing toxins. https://t.co/TLysPvy2Qd

Mar 30, 2023 · 1 like · 765 followers View post →

Pierre Lyndon Lockhart Jr. IV

@Pierre_Lockhart · X

@RBerbaron @OTerrifying here's the source https://t.co/X91sXYdmBG

Feb 26, 2023 · 17 followers View post →

Hiro Protagonist (至大)

@augeeidos · X

@g91590405 @Magneto_369 @Brink_Thinker https://t.co/lM48dlT9mx There's ongoing research on producing these same peptides for blood pressure medication and other medical applications.