What is it about?

The venom apparatus of ants is where toxins are produced to be delivered through stings. The present paper describes the venom apparatus of fire ants in minute details and high resolution, focusing on a species which is widespread and frequently involved in stinging accidents in Brazil. The venom gland, sac, internal convoluted gland, and accessory parts are illustrated by light and electron microscopy, suggesting a paradigm change about their structural organisation from what has been described in previous publications.

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Why is it important?

Fire ants are aggressive invasive species spreading out the planet. They are frequently involved in mass stinging attacks with humans and livestock, being considered pest threats to human health and welfare. The venom of fire ants is abundant in alkaloids (called solenopsins) intermixed with highly allergenic, toxic, peptides. How the ants produce these alkaloids is currently not understood. Providing insights into the tissue organisation inside the toxin-producing organs can provide insightful clues into the biochemical pathways -- and their location -- involved in the synthesis of these compounds. It should be highlighted that fire ant venom alkaloids are promising chemicals of biomedical interest.

Perspectives

Describing the organisation of venomous tissues in fire ants is but the first step in elucidating how these insects produce and deliver their toxins through stinging. The study is the first of a major line of research concerning the toxicology and chemistry of fire ant venoms led by the 1st author and his associated collaborators.

Dr Eduardo G P Fox
IBCCF / UFRJ

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: General Morphology and Ultrastructure of the Venom Apparatus and Convoluted Gland of the Fire Ant,Solenopsis saevissima, Journal of Insect Science, March 2010, Oxford University Press (OUP),
DOI: 10.1673/031.010.2401.
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