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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Biological Control of Pests Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #405730
Research Project: Biology and Control of Invasive Ants

Location: Biological Control of Pests Research

Title: Chemistry and Functions of Imported Fire Ant Venom

Author
item Chen, Jian

Submitted to: Toxins
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2023
Publication Date: 8/3/2023
Citation: Chen, J. 2023. Chemistry and Functions of Imported Fire Ant Venom. Toxins. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15080489.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15080489

Interpretive Summary: Imported fire ants are significant pest affecting humans, livestock, pets and wildlife due to their venomous stings. However, venom is critical to the survival of fire ants by serving predatory and defensive functions. Fire ant venom chemistry and function remain highly active research areas, resulting in several important discoveries. This review summarizes the recent advance in our understanding of fire ant venom chemistry and its functions in fire ant colonies.

Technical Abstract: Imported fire ants are significant pest affecting humans, livestock, pets and wildlife due to their venomous stings. However, venom is critical to the survival of fire ants by serving predatory and defensive functions. Fire ant venom chemistry and function remain highly active research areas, resulting in several important discoveries. This review summarizes the recent advance in our understanding of fire ant venom chemistry and its functions in fire ant colonies.