Scientists have discovered that a species of tropical snail uses biological roofies to assist the decline of blood sugar level in its prey such that it eventually leads to paralysis or even death. The tiny sea snail, called Conus geographus, was studied by scientists and the recent findings explain how the creature captures its prey.
The geographical cone snail is dreaded by scuba divers, who have claimed that the creature has highly toxic venom. The divers also say that the colorful sea living gastropod mollusk has a stinger-covered shell. Scientists have recently found that the snails spurt out a small amount of insulin to paralyze its prey. The insulin helps in slowing down the prey that would otherwise be a difficult catch.
The geographical cone snail has been known to be the most venomous snail on the Earth. It has taken its toll on a huge number of scuba divers. The snail was known to catch and eat small fishes with “false mouths.” But until now, it was unknown as to how the snail was successful in catching the fish. However, the recent study provides an answer to the question. The snail uses insulin to cause a dip in the blood sugar levels of the fishes, which eventually enter into a state of paralyzing diabetic coma.
After the fish is doped with insulin, the snail draws it in closer and stings it with more powerful toxins that cause permanent paralysis. The snail then extends its large proboscis to engulf the prey completely.
The geographical cone snail has been discovered to be the only other creature on the planet to use insulin as a killing substance, other than the human being.
The findings of the study on the Conus geographus were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week.