A team of researchers from the Free University of Berlin and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg has made a significant discovery regarding the venoms of various ants, such as Pharaoh ants and wood ants. They have demonstrated that the acidic spray venom is far more complex than previously understood. The study reveals that the venom is not just simple formic acid, but rather a sophisticated cocktail containing peptides and numerous other bioactive substances.
According to the university’s statement, this finding closes an age-old knowledge gap in entomology. The identified peptides, in particular, appear to play a role in maintaining nest hygiene. The ants use the venom to coat their brood; after the formic acid evaporates, the peptides remain on the pupae, where they fight off infections. Moreover, some of these peptides show a pronounced effectiveness against various fungi.
Previously, the venom of the shield ants-the group to which wood ants belong-was thought to be relatively plain, with formic acid considered the central and almost sole component ever since its description in the 17th century.
The research findings establish that ant venom serves multiple functions beyond mere defense. Ants utilize it for disinfection, regulating their gut flora, and for communication with other colony members. To achieve this breakthrough, the researchers combined methodologies from biology, chemistry, and pharmacy. The detailed findings were published in the academic journal “Science Advances”.