Spiders. Frogs. Snakes. Our temporary exhibition is teeming with life! Take a closer look at representatives of venomous animals, learn about their unusual abilities and habits.

Anxious at the prospect of coming face to face (or eye to eye) with creatures that inspire awe and are not associated with plush mascots? Try overcoming your fear. This time, we encourage you to observe only. Somewhat against the rules at the Copernicus, you won't be touching anything. Most of these animals you won't meet every day. It is worth finding out where they live and understanding the mechanisms of their behaviour to protect yourself from a dangerous encounter. You can also marvel at their colouration, body structure and ability to camouflage themselves.

The main character of the exhibition is invisible. Hidden in special glands, the venom is used by animals to ward off predators, defend against attack and fight back. It can also be lethal to humans - hence the bad reputation of spiders or snakes, which has spread to all their (mostly harmless) species. Of the more than 3 000 known snake species, only about 450 are venomous, and in Poland there is one - the zigzag viper. Most snakes avoid contact with humans and attack only in defence. Instead, they help control populations of rodents and other small animals, which prevents the excessive spread of disease and maintains the ecological balance. Approximately 50,000 species of spiders have been described to date, and 3% of them may be dangerous to humans. The venom of spiders living in our climate is too weak to pose a serious threat. Instead, they are effective in clearing our homes of insects.

Venomous animals are restrained in the use of their superpowers. After using venom, they need time to replenish it - they then remain vulnerable. Consequently, they use a variety of warning signals - hissing, rattling, quick movements, presenting a 'menacing' colouration - before going to the extreme.

At the exhibition, the animals live in terrariums that are safe (for themselves and visitors) and allow close-up observations. You will learn where they collect venom, how they use it and what the consequences are.