Stinger Group |  Eating |  Stinging |  Reproduction |  Commonality

	The Sting Is the Thing All stingers have stinging cells with specialized mechanisms called nematocysts. When fired, these coiled barbs inject venom to capture food or drive off predators. Although a stinger may have thousands of nematocysts, each nematocyst can fire independently of the others.
	How does stinging work?
	Why sting? Stingers use their stinging cells to capture food, to defend themselves against predators, and to keep competitors at a distance. When feeding, the stinging cells' venom stuns or kills prey. Feeding tentacles then bring the catch to the mouth. It then passes into the gut for digestion. Stinging cells are very specialized. Over 17 different types are known; some are designed to penetrate, while others have sticky ends to trap prey. Bottom dwelling anemones use stinging cells to help anchor them in place.

This project was made possible by a generous grant from the National Science Foundation