ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Insect toxin

Insect toxin is a thing that bugs can have inside them that can harm other living things. It's kind of like how some people can have a cold and sneeze and cough a lot, and then other people might catch the cold from them. Insects have toxins that are like little weapons that they can use to defend themselves from predators or to catch their food.

These toxins can come in different forms, like venom, which is a type of liquid that insects like bees use to sting things, or saliva, which is produced by insects like mosquitoes and spiders when they bite you. Some insects even have little spines or barbs that can inject the toxin directly into your skin!

The way these toxins work can also be different for each type of insect. Some toxins can cause pain or swelling, while others might make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Some insects, like the monarch butterfly, even have toxins that are poisonous to animals that try to eat them!

While insect toxins can be dangerous, they can also be used in helpful ways. Some types of insect toxins are now used to make medicines that can help people who have things like heart problems or high blood pressure. Scientists are always learning more about insect toxins and how they can be used, so they can help people stay healthy and safe.