Bites and stings are a relatively common problem in Australia – the consequences of which can range from being minor, to death from systemic envenoming or anaphylaxis. Identifi cation of the culprit animal may be straightforward, but often it is quite obscure and challenging for the clinician. Determining the nature of the patient’s problems and the likely cause are vital steps in ensuring an optimal outcome. Some general principles must be applied to evaluate a patient for a possible bite or sting and for determining whether signifi cant envenoming has occurred. The fl owcharts on pages 16-18 relate to symptomatic patients and broadly assist in reaching a diagnosis, using history, examination, and laboratory tests (where appropriate).1 If the patient is asymptomatic, a history, examination, and probably laboratory investigations may still be required to establish the identity of the likely biting/stinging organism.1 Only a small number of cases of signifi cant envenoming occur each year, as the majority of patients presenting to hospital emergency departments with suspected bites/stings, do not develop envenoming.2-6 Hence, few clinicians have the opportunity to develop expertise in the management of envenomed patients. Clinicians are strongly advised to seek expert advice when managing a patient with envenoming.