Velvet ants are not ants but parasitic wasps known for their painful stings. These insects, often call as “cow killers” due to the intensity of their sting, possess a potent venom capable of acting on different molecular targets depending on the species they encounter.
Their defensive mechanisms, which include venom, warning colours, tough exoskeletons, and unique sounds when threaten, have made them nearly invincible to predators.
This versatility has intrigue researchers studying their venom’s effects on various creatures.
As per study, velvet ant venom operates differently across species.
Researchers and Lydia Borjon, a sensory neurobiologist at Indiana University Bloomington, find that distinct peptides in the venom affect mammals and insects in unique ways.
Experiments conduct on the venom of the scarlet velvet ant (Dasymutilla occidentalis) revealed that specific peptides target sensory neurons differently in insects and mammals.
As per report, in insects, a peptide called Do6a specifically activates neurons sensitive to harmful stimuli.
But, in mammals such as mice, pain is trigger by two less abundant peptides, Do10a and Do13a.
These peptides activate a broad range of sensory neurons, inducing a generalise pain response.
The findings suggest that velvet ants’ venom tailors its effects based on the biology of the recipient, showcasing a rare example of multi-target venom.
Joseph Wilson, an evolutionary ecologist at Utah State University, said, that velvet ants’ extensive defensive arsenal can be link to evolutionary pressures from unknown predators, particularly insects.
He suggest that while their venom effectively deters a wide range of species, its evolution might have influence by specific ecological interactions.
Sam Robinson, a toxinologist at the University of Queensland, said that this type of broad-spectrum venom, though rare, may not be unique, as most venoms are test on limited species.
This study provides new insights into venom evolution and raises questions about the ecological factors driving the development of such complex defensive strategies.
