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The toxicology of fire ant venom is relatively well studied. The venom plays a central role in the biology of Red imported fire ants , such as in capturing prey, [ 1 ] and in defending itself from competitors, [ 2 ] assailants, [ 3 ] and diseases. [ 4 ]
In the case of fire ants, the venom consists mainly of alkaloid (>95%) and protein (<1%) components. [2] Stinging ants cause a cutaneous condition that is different from that caused by biting venomous ants. Particularly painful are stings from fire ants, although the bullet ant's sting is considered by some to be the most painful insect sting.
Typically, a fire ant queen will seek to establish a new colony following a nuptial flight, wherein it will use its special venom to paralyze offending competitors, [17] in the absence of workers for defense. Fire ant queens may live up to seven years and can produce up to 1,600 eggs per day, and colonies will have as many as 250,000 workers.
The venom from an ant's sting can "cause painful pustules on the skin, and can be particularly dangerous, even fatal, to sensitive groups or those with an allergy to the venom."
Solenopsin is a lipophilic alkaloid with the molecular formula C 17 H 35 N found in the venom of fire ants (Solenopsis).It is considered the primary toxin in the venom [2] and may be the component responsible for the cardiorespiratory failure in people who experience excessive fire ant stings.
The red fire ant, one of the world’s most invasive species, has been found in Europe for the first time, according to a new study published Monday.
The toxicology of red imported fire ant venom has been relatively well studied. The venom is important to the ant, enabling it to capture its prey and to defend itself. Some 14 million people are stung annually in the United States, [335] who may suffer reactions ranging from mild eczema to anaphylactic shock. [336]
Ant bites. Red inflammation from an ant bite to the skin of the foot. ... Fire ants also sting humans, Frye says, which can cause small pus-filled bumps on the skin, according to the Cleveland ...