Reno Reporter

If you have ever pondered who would win in a fight between a black widow and an alligator lizard, researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have an answer for you.

Researchers recently found a lizard species that has compounds that are not affected by the spider's venom which is usually deadly for most small animals, according to an Oct. 31 university press release.

“There are so many plants and animals that defend themselves using compounds, whether it's a toxin, like a poison, or a venom that, for example, the spiders have and can inject into prey but can also use to defend themselves,” Chris R. Feldman, associate professor of biology and the associate director of the university’s Museum of Natural History, said in the release.

Researchers discovered that an alligator lizard will pounce on a black widow upon approach and can digest the venom. Researchers stated the lizard is known to eat up to five spiders without any negative effects.

The study was conducted by a team of researchers out of the Department of Biology and Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland Sciences at the school, the release stated.  Their findings have been featured in Royal Society Open Science, the New York Times and Newsweek.