Did You Know That Wasps Have Venom?
WouterDuring the early 1950’s, a woman named Mary Hewitt Loveless ran an uncontrolled study on wasps. She found that wasp venom consists of a chemical cocktail that breaks down cell membranes. She also found that these stings can induce a toxic response that can result in death.
Several different types of wasp venoms have been characterized. These venoms include high molecular weight proteins such as phospholipases, antigen 5, and mastoparans, as well as low molecular weight proteins such as chemotactic peptides and chemotactic peptide receptors.
Venom also contains bioactive molecules such as histamine, catecholamines, and serotonin. These molecules are responsible for the chemical reaction that leads to the pain sensation. In addition, a chemical called hyaluronidase breaks down the membrane-destroying elements in venom.
Venom also contains enzymes that break down cell membranes. These enzymes allow wasp venom to reach the central nervous system on a cellular level. This is a defense mechanism that allows wasps to incapacitate their enemies.
Insects such as wasps are part of the order Hymenoptera. They are a highly diverse group of insects. Many species of wasps are predatory, and some species are also parasitic. Some wereps are assigned a duty to protect their nests.
When wasps sting, they release an attack pheromone that alerts other wasps of the presence of a threat. The wasps then use their stingers to paralyze their prey for easier transport back to their nest. Depending on the type of wasp, a wasp sting can cause a mild allergic reaction, or a toxic reaction that leads to death.
