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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Biological Control of Pests Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #240701

Title: Advances in Research on the Venom Chemistry of Imported Fire Ants

Author
item Chen, Jian
item SHANG, HAN-WU - China Jiliang University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/11/2009
Publication Date: 8/24/2010
Citation: Chen, J., Shang, H. 2010. Advances in Research on the Venom Chemistry of Imported Fire Ants. In: Liu, T.X., L. Kang, editors. Recent Advances in Entomological Research: From Molecular Biology to Integrated Pest Management. Beijing, China: Higher Education Press. p. 251-260.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Workers of the imported fire ants, including red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, black imported fire ants, S. richteri Forel, and their hybrid (S. invicta × S. richteri), are vicious stingers. Since the venomous sting is a significant medical problem to humans, the chemistry of imported fire ant venom has been a subject of rigorous research. This chapter summarizes the recent research on the chemistry of imported fire ant venom and focuses on several newly identified piperideine alkaloids. The potential pharmacologic application of piperidine alkaloids and updates on major allergens found in the imported fire ant venom are also reviewed.