What’s the Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous?

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images & Videos

A bright blue poison dart frog with black spots sits on a damp, brown log in Costa Rica.

Infographic titled Common characteristics of toxic animals shows a timber rattlesnake, strawberry poison dart frog, and monarch butterfly, with callouts noting stillness, loud noises or smells, and bright distinctive markings.

The Difference Between “Poisonous” and “Venomous”

What’s the Difference Between Venomous and Poisonous?: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

John P. Rafferty
John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to the natural world.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type	Description	Contributor	Date
	Added media.	Rick Livingston	Oct 26, 2026
	Media added.	Meg Matthias	Aug 08, 2025