The Cane Toad, the toad that plagues Hawaii and Australia (I believe that the Australian plague of toads actually originates from Hawaii) secretes a toxin from its parotoid glands. One component of the toxin is called Bufotenin, which is commonly classified as a hallucinogen. Other components of the toxin include a digoxin like compound (similar to foxglove). Digoxin is used therapeutically to treat problems such as arrhythmia and angina. However, it has a very narrow therapeutic index (the range between therapeutic and toxic dosages), and therefore is dangerous, and potentially fatal.
In a two part short story, I write about cane toads. The second part of the short story introduces a (fictitious) gay Nerd who harbors "venomous" resentment towards those who persecute him and his friends, and, inspired by the protagonist's repeated use of the imagery of toads, decides to utilize toad venom (bufotenin, mixed with digoxin) to poison his enemies... There are several reasons why toad venom, secreted from parotoid glands, is an effective image: 1) the characters in this story are adolescent, undergoing puberty, and therefore suffering from "zits." Whiteheads, parotoid gland secretions; 2) toads secrete toad venom when threatened. Similarly, the gay character considers poisoning his enemies the only fit remedy to intolerable persecution.
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