DOCSLIB.ORG

Ant Allergens and Hypersensitivity Reactions in Response to Ant Stings

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Review article Ant allergens and hypersensitivity reactions in response to ant stings Rutcharin Potiwat1 and Raweerat Sitcharungsi2 Summary Keywords: Allergy, ant stings, hypersensitivity, immunotherapy, treatment Hypersensitivity reactions caused by ant stings are increasingly recognized as an important Introduction cause of death by anaphylaxis. Only some species Ants are insects and belong to the order of ants ( e.g. Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia spp., and Hymenoptera and the family Formicidae. There are Pachycondyla spp.) cause allergic reactions. Ant currently more than 12,500 ant species known. species are identified by evaluating the morphologic Although some species of ants can bite and sting structures of worker ants or by molecular humans, only some ant genera, such as Solenopsis, techniques. Ant venom contains substances, especially S. invicta and S. ricteri (commonly known as including acids and alkaloids, that cause toxic imported fire ants), cause life-threatening allergic reactions, and those from Solenopsis invicta or reactions. Ant hypersensitivity is one of the most the imported fire ant have been widely studied. important causes of severe systemic reactions or Piperidine alkaloids and low protein contents can anaphylaxis with reports of fatalities from ant cause local reactions (sterile pustules) and anaphylaxis occurring worldwide in both urban and systemic reactions (anaphylaxis). Imported fire rural areas. The diagnosis of ant hypersensitivity can ant venoms are cross-reactive; for example, the be performed by allergic history and physical Sol i 1 allergen from S. invicta has cross- examination of the ant sting, or by in vivo and in reactivity with yellow jacket phospholipase. The vitro tests. The management of ant hypersensitivity Sol i 3 allergen is a member of the antigen 5 can be divided into immediate treatment for family that has amino acid sequence identity with anaphylaxis, and preventive treatment. However, vespid antigen 5. The clinical presentations of ant knowledge of ant-induced allergic reactions in some hypersensitivity are categorized into immediate parts of the world is limited. This article reviews ant and delayed reactions: immediate reactions, such diversity and distribution, the medical importance of as small local reactions, large local reactions, and ant stings, ant allergens, and their cross-reactivity, as systemic reactions, occur within 1–4 hours after well as the clinical presentations and management of the ant stings, whereas delayed reactions, such as ant hypersensitivity reactions. This information will serum sickness and vasculitis, usually occur more enhance the basic knowledge of ants for scientists than 4 hours after the stings. Tools for the and provide an overview of therapeutic guidelines diagnosis of ant hypersensitivity are skin testing, for physicians. serum specific IgE, and sting challenge tests. Management of ant hypersensitivity can be Ant diversity and distribution divided into immediate (epinephrine, corticosteroids), Ants are social insects classified in the family symptomatic (antihistamines, bronchodilators), Formicidae, order Hymenoptera. Ants are diversely supportive (fluid resuscitation, oxygen therapy), spread among continents and biogeographic regions and preventive (re-sting avoidance and with more than 12,500 species in 290 genera immunotherapy) treatments. (Asian Pac J Allergy belonging to 21 subfamilies having been identified Immunol 2015;33:267-75) thus far. Tropical areas and continental forests have the greatest influence on the presence of ant species From 1. Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of diversity. In Thailand, 247 ant species distributed Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand among 55 genera in nine subfamilies have been 2. Department of Tropical Pediatrics, Faculty of Tropical recorded.1-4 Six of these species (Aenictus artipus, Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand Leptanilla thai, Lophomyrmex striatulus, Tetramorium Corresponding author: Raweerat Sitcharungsi ciliatum, Tetramorium flavipes, and Tetraponera E-mail: [email protected] Submitted date: 11/12/2015 267 Downloaded from http://www.apjai-journal.org. For personal use only. No other uses without permission Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2015;33:267-75 notabilis) were originally described from Thai territories stings. Both T. rufonigra and O. denticulata have a and are located in agricultural fields and forests.5 stinger at the end of the gaster (Figure 2). T. Invasive ants are exotic species that establish rufonigra-induced hypersensitivity has been colonies outside their native areas and can cause a reported in humans after stings and can cause severe decline or a change in diversity, community, and anaphylaxis.18 The first case of T. rufonigra-induced populations of native invertebrates, vertebrates, and anaphylaxis was reported from Thailand. The patient plants by their invasion and displacement.6 was a 17-month-old girl who presented with two However, invasive ant species, such as Solenopsis episodes of urticaria, angioedema, dyspnea, and loss geminata and Tetraponera rufonigra, can also play of consciousness.7 an important role in the impact on clinical Species identification of the most common causative hypersensitivity reaction.7, 8 The important invasive species of ant anaphylaxis in Thailand ant species are widely distributed worldwide (Table The most common causative species of ant 1).9-11 Of these invasive ant species, Anoplolepis anaphylaxis in Thai patients are Solenopsis geminata, gracilipes (yellow crazy ant), Pheidole megacephala Tetraponera rufonigra, and Odontoponera denticulata. (big-headed ant), and Solenopsis geminata (tropical S. geminata belongs to the family Formicidae, fire ant) are all present in Thailand.6 The yellow subfamily Myrmicinae, genus Solenopsis, species crazy ant is thought to decrease the diversity and geminata. The morphology of Solenopsis can be population of native fauna and flora in ecosystems confused with a smaller species of Monomorium, due to its replacement of natural native species, but although Solenopsis is distinguished by the presence information on its distribution is rarely reported. of a two-segmented petiole.19, 20 Identification of fire The medical importance of ant-induced hypersensitivity ant species is very difficult and involves evaluating Thailand has a number of ants of medical the morphology of worker ants rather than just one importance. The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis specimen. S. geminata workers have a polymorphic invicta, Buren) is an important invasive ant species size of 3–8 mm body length. The body has a reddish that is also present in many other parts of the world, brown color and is mostly smooth and shiny, and is considered to cause hypersensitivity in both without sculpture. The head of the S. geminata children and adults. Other fire ants in the genus worker is divided into two notches, while in S. Solenopsis, including S. invicta, S. richteri, S. invicta workers these notches are absent (Figure 2). geminata, S. saevissima, S. xyloni, and S. aurea can The differentiation of tropical fire ant morphology is cause allergic reactions.10, 12 Importantly, there is determined using worker ants but can also be cross-reactivity among venoms of the Solenopsis characterized using molecular techniques based on species, such as S. xyloni and S. aurea, and other mitochondrial DNA encoding cytochrome oxidase hymenoptera.13, 14 The tropical fire ant (S. geminata) subunit I (COI) or the internally-transcribed spacer is a natural native species with a wide distribution (ITS) gene.21 The differentiation of Solenopsis species throughout Thailand whose stings can cause allergic by morphology alone is difficult and can often be reactions. Another group of ants that cause confused with other species; therefore, molecular hypersensitivity belong to the genus Myrmecia, identification is now widely used. PCR especially M. pilosula, which are found in amplification of the COI gene followed by cutting Australia.15-17 However, the ant species that are most nucleotide sequences with the HinfI restriction commonly responsible for anaphylaxis in Thai enzyme can be used to distinguish S. invicta, S. patients are Solenopsis geminata, Tetraponera geminata, and S. xyloni from Florida.22 However, rufonigra, and Odontoponera denticulata (Figure 1). even though molecular amplification is now widely Patients with stings from these ants were referred to used, it is expensive. tertiary care hospitals in Bangkok for T. rufonigra belongs to the family Formicidae, immunotherapy, and ants were sent for species subfamily Ponerinae, genus Tetraponera, species identification at the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, rufonigra. It is black and shiny except on their Mahidol University (unpublished data). All three alitrunk that has an orange line, which is the specific species are aggressive ants with painful bites or characteristic of T. rufonigra. Differentiation of 268 Downloaded from http://www.apjai-journal.org. For personal use only. No other uses without permission Hypersensitivity to ant stings Table 1. The geographical distribution of major invasive ant species. Ant species Geographical Range Reference(s) Native Invasive species Anoplolepis gracilipe* Africa, Tropical Africa, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, Indian and Pacific 91 (Yellow crazy ant) Asia? Ocean Dinoponera gigantea Amazonian states 92 Hypoponera sp. Brazil, Malaysia 93, 94 Linepithema humile South America, Africa, Asia, North America,
Recommended publications
  • Medical Problems and Treatment Considerations for the Red Imported Fire Ant

    Medical Problems and Treatment Considerations for the Red Imported Fire Ant

    MEDICAL PROBLEMS AND TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT Bastiaan M. Drees, Professor and Extension Entomologist DISCLAIMER: This fact sheet provides a review of information gathered regarding medical aspects of the red imported fire ant. As such, this fact sheet is not intended to provide treatment recommendations for fire ant stings or reactions that may develop as a result of a stinging incident. Readers are encouraged to seek health-related advice and recommendations from their medical doctors, allergists or other appropriate specialists. Imported fire ants, which include the red imported fire ant - Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), the black imported fire ant - Solenopsis richteri Forel and the hybrid between S. invicta and S. richteri, cause medical problems when sterile female worker ants from a colony sting and inject a venom that cause localized sterile blisters, whole body allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock and occasionally death. In Texas, S. invicta is the only imported fire ant, although several species of native fire ants occur in the state such as the tropical fire ant, S. geminata (Fabricius), and the desert fire ant, S. xyloni McCook, which are also capable of stinging (see FAPFS010 and 013 for identification keys). Over 40 million people live in areas infested by the red imported fire ant in the southeastern United States. An estimated 14 million people are stung annually. According to The Scripps Howard Texas Poll (March 2000), 79 percent of Texans have been stung by fire ants in the year of the survey, while 20% of Texans report not ever having been stung.
  • Allergic Reactions to Bites and Stings

    Allergic Reactions to Bites and Stings

    Allergic Reactions to Bites and Stings ASCIA EDUCATION RESOURCES (AER) PATIENT INFORMATION Most insect bites and stings result in a localised itch and swelling that settles within a few days. Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to insects are relatively uncommon, and are usually due to bees, wasps or the Australian Jack Jumper ant. Fortunately, effective treatments are available to treat allergic reactions to bites and stings. Stinging insects are a common cause of anaphylaxis Allergies to venoms from stinging insects are one of the most common causes of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) in Australia. Symptoms include an all over rash, swelling of tongue or throat, trouble breathing, gut cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting or even a drop in blood pressure (shock). Although the insects are all hymenoptera (which means membranous winged insects), their venoms are very different. Allergy to one type of stinging insect does not usually increase the risk of reaction to another. The Honey Bee is the most common cause of allergic reactions in Australia. Paper Wasps and European Wasps can sting multiple times. The European Wasp is becoming an increasing problem in Australia, is particularly aggressive and likes to get inside drink cans at barbeques, although the more familiar Paper Wasp is responsible for the majority of serious stings. The Australian Jack Jumper Ant (Myrmecia pilosula) is a medium sized black bull ant prevalent down the eastern side of Australia and Tasmania. It can be recognised by its characteristic hopping motion when it walks. It is a very aggressive ant and its sting can cause severe local pain. Severe allergic reactions are much more common than is seen with more common bull ants.
  • Newly Discovered Sister Lineage Sheds Light on Early Ant Evolution

    Newly Discovered Sister Lineage Sheds Light on Early Ant Evolution

    Newly discovered sister lineage sheds light on early ant evolution Christian Rabeling†‡§, Jeremy M. Brown†¶, and Manfred Verhaagh‡ †Section of Integrative Biology, and ¶Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Texas, 1 University Station C0930, Austin, TX 78712; and ‡Staatliches Museum fu¨r Naturkunde Karlsruhe, Erbprinzenstr. 13, D-76133 Karlsruhe, Germany Edited by Bert Ho¨lldobler, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, and approved August 4, 2008 (received for review June 27, 2008) Ants are the world’s most conspicuous and important eusocial insects and their diversity, abundance, and extreme behavioral specializations make them a model system for several disciplines within the biological sciences. Here, we report the discovery of a new ant that appears to represent the sister lineage to all extant ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The phylogenetic position of this cryptic predator from the soils of the Amazon rainforest was inferred from several nuclear genes, sequenced from a single leg. Martialis heureka (gen. et sp. nov.) also constitutes the sole representative of a new, morphologically distinct subfamily of ants, the Martialinae (subfam. nov.). Our analyses have reduced the likelihood of long-branch attraction artifacts that have trou- bled previous phylogenetic studies of early-diverging ants and therefore solidify the emerging view that the most basal extant ant lineages are cryptic, hypogaeic foragers. On the basis of morpho- logical and phylogenetic evidence we suggest that these special- EVOLUTION ized subterranean predators are the sole surviving representatives of a highly divergent lineage that arose near the dawn of ant diversification and have persisted in ecologically stable environ- ments like tropical soils over great spans of time.
  • The Mesosomal Anatomy of Myrmecia Nigrocincta Workers and Evolutionary Transformations in Formicidae (Hymeno- Ptera)

    The Mesosomal Anatomy of Myrmecia Nigrocincta Workers and Evolutionary Transformations in Formicidae (Hymeno- Ptera)

    7719 (1): – 1 2019 © Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, 2019. The mesosomal anatomy of Myrmecia nigrocincta workers and evolutionary transformations in Formicidae (Hymeno- ptera) Si-Pei Liu, Adrian Richter, Alexander Stoessel & Rolf Georg Beutel* Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany; Si-Pei Liu [[email protected]]; Adrian Richter [[email protected]]; Alexander Stößel [[email protected]]; Rolf Georg Beutel [[email protected]] — * Corresponding author Accepted on December 07, 2018. Published online at www.senckenberg.de/arthropod-systematics on May 17, 2019. Published in print on June 03, 2019. Editors in charge: Andy Sombke & Klaus-Dieter Klass. Abstract. The mesosomal skeletomuscular system of workers of Myrmecia nigrocincta was examined. A broad spectrum of methods was used, including micro-computed tomography combined with computer-based 3D reconstruction. An optimized combination of advanced techniques not only accelerates the acquisition of high quality anatomical data, but also facilitates a very detailed documentation and vi- sualization. This includes fne surface details, complex confgurations of sclerites, and also internal soft parts, for instance muscles with their precise insertion sites. Myrmeciinae have arguably retained a number of plesiomorphic mesosomal features, even though recent mo- lecular phylogenies do not place them close to the root of ants. Our mapping analyses based on previous morphological studies and recent phylogenies revealed few mesosomal apomorphies linking formicid subgroups. Only fve apomorphies were retrieved for the family, and interestingly three of them are missing in Myrmeciinae. Nevertheless, it is apparent that profound mesosomal transformations took place in the early evolution of ants, especially in the fightless workers.
  • Imported Fire Ants [Solenopsis Invicta (Buren) and Solenopsis Richteri (Forel)] Ann M.M

    Imported Fire Ants [Solenopsis Invicta (Buren) and Solenopsis Richteri (Forel)] Ann M.M

    Published by Utah State University Extension and Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Laboratory ENT-214-20-PR March 2020 Imported Fire Ants [Solenopsis invicta (Buren) and Solenopsis richteri (Forel)] Ann M.M. Mull, Extension Assistant; Lori R. Spears, CAPS Coordinator; and Ryan Davis, Arthropod Diagnostician Quick Facts • Imported fire ants (IFA) represent two South American species: red imported fire ant and black imported fire ant. • IFA occur in the southeastern U.S. and in parts of California and other western states. They are NOT known to occur in Utah, but parts of southwestern Utah are suitable for IFA establishment. • IFA can cause agricultural, ecological, economical, nuisance, and public health problems. • When a nest is disturbed, IFA will exit the mound in large numbers to bite and sting repeatedly, injecting painful Figure 1. Red imported fire ant (IFA) workers swarming a boot. venom with each sting. • Stings can cause persistent “fire-like” pain and blistering pustules--which when broken can result in secondary infections and scarring--and allergic reactions, including rare instances of seizures and anaphylactic shock. • Although IFA can spread naturally by flying short distances, long-distance spread is caused primarily by the movement of infested materials, such as baled hay and straw, nursery stock, grass sod, soil, honeybee hives, and vehicles and equipment. Figure 2. A red IFA worker. Figure 3. Pustules on arm resulting from IFA stings. • Five native Solenopsis ant species occur in Utah, but they are not known to be aggressive and their colonies are late 1930s (red IFA). Although IFA can spread naturally by flying small and inconspicuous.
  • Download WAO White Book on Allergy

    Download WAO White Book on Allergy

    WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION WAWAOO WhiteWhite BookBook onon AllergyAllergy WAO White Book on Allergy World Allergy Organization (WAO) White Book on Allergy Copyright 2011 World Allergy Organization WAO White Book on Allergy Editors Prof. Ruby Pawankar, MD, PhD Prof. Giorgio Walter Canonica, MD WAO President Elect (2010-2011) WAO Past President (2010-2011) Allergy and Rhinology Allergy & Respiratory Diseases Nippon Medical School Department of Internal Medicine 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku University of Genoa Tokyo 113-8603 Padiglione Maragliano, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10 JAPAN 1-16132 Genoa ITALY Prof. Stephen T. Holgate, BSc, MD, DSc, FMed Sci Prof. Richard F. Lockey, MD Member, WAO Board of Directors (2010-2011) WAO President (2010-2011) Medical Research Council Clinical Professor of Division of Allergy & Immunology Immunopharmacology Joy McCann Culverhouse Chair in Allergy & Immunology Infection, Inflammation and Immunity University of South Florida College of Medicine School of Medicine James Haley Veterans Administration Medical Center (111D) University of Southampton 13000 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard Level F, South Block Tampa, Florida 33612 Southampton General Hospital USA Tremona Road Southampton SO16 6YD United Kingdom Acknowledgement On behalf of the World Allergy Organization (WAO), the editors and authors of the WAO White Book on Allergy express their gratitude to the charity, Asthma, Allergy, Inflammation Research (AAIR) and Asian Allergy Asthma Foundation (AAAF) for their support in the production of this publication. The Editors of the White book extend their gratitude to His Excellency Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Former President of India and Madame Ilora Finlay Baronness of the House of Lords for their Forewords to the White Book and to the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) and European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients ‘Associations (EFA) for their supporting statements.
  • Bee Venom Allergy in Beekeepers and Their Family Members Ulrich R

    Bee Venom Allergy in Beekeepers and Their Family Members Ulrich R

    Bee venom allergy in beekeepers and their family members Ulrich R. Mu¨ller Purpose of review Introduction To analyze prevalence of allergic sting reactions, including Hymenoptera venom allergy is one of the major reasons the clinical and diagnostic features as well as management for anaphylaxis. Between 1961 and 2000, it caused 120 options in a population heavily exposed to honeybee stings fatalities in Switzerland – an average of three every year such as beekeepers and their family members. [1]. Extrapolated to Western Europe, this corresponds to Recent findings more than 150 fatal Hymenoptera sting reactions every The higher sting frequency is associated with an increased year in this region. Stings by honeybees and vespids are prevalence of allergic sting reactions. Major risk factors for most often responsible for such reactions. Beekeepers allergic sting reactions in beekepers are: fewer than 10 and their family members are heavily exposed to honey- annual stings, an atopic constitution and symptoms of bee stings and are thus at an especially high risk of upper respiratory allergy during work in the beehive. Bee becoming allergic, and therefore are an interesting popu- venom allergic beekeepers have higher levels of bee lation for the study of epidemiology and immunopatho- venom-specific IgG but lower skin sensitivity and bee genesis of venom allergy and the mechanism of its most venom-specific IgE than normally exposed bee venom effective treatment – venom immunotherapy. Finally, allergic patients. Safety of bee venom immunotherapy is owing to the high degree of exposure of this population, higher in beekeepers than in allergic controls, while efficacy indication and protocols for venom immunotherapy may of this treatment is similar in both groups.
  • Tree-Dwelling Ants: Contrasting Two Brazilian Cerrado Plant Species Without Extrafloral Nectaries

    Tree-Dwelling Ants: Contrasting Two Brazilian Cerrado Plant Species Without Extrafloral Nectaries

    Hindawi Publishing Corporation Psyche Volume 2012, Article ID 172739, 6 pages doi:10.1155/2012/172739 Research Article Tree-Dwelling Ants: Contrasting Two Brazilian Cerrado Plant Species without Extrafloral Nectaries Jonas Maravalhas,1 JacquesH.C.Delabie,2 Rafael G. Macedo,1 and Helena C. Morais1 1 Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Bras´ılia, 70910-900 Bras´ılia, DF, Brazil 2 Laboratorio´ de Mirmecologia, Convˆenio UESC/CEPLAC, Centro de Pesquisa do Cacau, CEPLAC, Cx. P. 07, 45600-000 Itabuna, BA, Brazil Correspondence should be addressed to Jonas Maravalhas, [email protected] Received 31 May 2011; Revised 28 June 2011; Accepted 30 June 2011 Academic Editor: Fernando Fernandez´ Copyright © 2012 Jonas Maravalhas et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Ants dominate vegetation stratum, exploiting resources like extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) and insect honeydew. These interactions are frequent in Brazilian cerrado and are well known, but few studies compare ant fauna and explored resources between plant species. We surveyed two cerrado plants without EFNs, Roupala montana (found on preserved environments of our study area) and Solanum lycocarpum (disturbed ones). Ants were collected and identified, and resources on each plant noted. Ant frequency and richness were higher on R. montana (67%; 35 spp) than S. lycocarpum (52%; 26), the occurrence of the common ant species varied between them, and similarity was low. Resources were explored mainly by Camponotus crassus and consisted of scale insects, aphids, and floral nectaries on R.
  • Identifying the Little Fire Ant a New Invasive Species on Kaua‘I

    Identifying the Little Fire Ant a New Invasive Species on Kaua‘I

    ALIEN Insect Pests DRAFTPEST May 2004 ALERT! IP-16 Identifying the Little Fire Ant A New Invasive Species on Kaua‘i Hawai‘i Ant Group; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), Plant Pest Control Branch; University of Hawai‘i, Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit and Department of Plant and Environmental Protec­ tion Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC) e are in the process of eradicating an infestation 1 Actual length, ⁄16 inch Wof the little fire ant (LFA) in the Kalihiwai area of Kaua‘i. We need the help of everyone on Kaua‘i to report any ants they find that match this ant’s descrip­ tion. With your help, we can keep Kaua‘i LFA-free. Head Background Since 1999 when it was first collected at Hawaiian Para­ dise Park in the Puna area on Hawai‘i, over 30 LFA in­ Little fire ant festations have been found on the Big Island. Contain­ worker ment actions are being taken, but limited resources and personnel, and pesticide label use restrictions, have made • Its sting produces large, painful, raised, red welts. it difficult to eradicate all the infestations there. • Irritation from the sting lasts several days, aching pain­ Beginning in 1999, HDOA has enforced quarantine fully at first and later itching intensely in spells. regulations to prevent shipment of infested potted plants • Although not quick to sting when handled, the LFA will from the Big Island. However, at least one infestation at do so if trapped beneath clothing.
  • Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

    Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

    Myrmecological News 20 25-36 Online Earlier, for print 2014 The evolution and functional morphology of trap-jaw ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Fredrick J. LARABEE & Andrew V. SUAREZ Abstract We review the biology of trap-jaw ants whose highly specialized mandibles generate extreme speeds and forces for predation and defense. Trap-jaw ants are characterized by elongated, power-amplified mandibles and use a combination of latches and springs to generate some of the fastest animal movements ever recorded. Remarkably, trap jaws have evolved at least four times in three subfamilies of ants. In this review, we discuss what is currently known about the evolution, morphology, kinematics, and behavior of trap-jaw ants, with special attention to the similarities and key dif- ferences among the independent lineages. We also highlight gaps in our knowledge and provide suggestions for future research on this notable group of ants. Key words: Review, trap-jaw ants, functional morphology, biomechanics, Odontomachus, Anochetus, Myrmoteras, Dacetini. Myrmecol. News 20: 25-36 (online xxx 2014) ISSN 1994-4136 (print), ISSN 1997-3500 (online) Received 2 September 2013; revision received 17 December 2013; accepted 22 January 2014 Subject Editor: Herbert Zettel Fredrick J. Larabee (contact author), Department of Entomology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 320 Morrill Hall, 505 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013-7012, USA. E-mail: [email protected] Andrew V. Suarez, Department of Entomology and Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, Univer- sity of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, 320 Morrill Hall, 505 S.
  • Meeting Minutes/Final Report (May 8-10, 2018) (PDF)

    Meeting Minutes/Final Report (May 8-10, 2018) (PDF)

    IJNITl:.D STA 1 ES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WASIIINGTON. DC 20-160 ,. ; ,, "'' ; '•,t, rrn I t1T1<J" rl\1,,r:nm·, MEMORANDUM SUBJECT: Transmittal of Meeting Minutes and Final Report for the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide. and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP) Meeting Held May 8-9, 2018 TO: Richard Keigwin Director Office of Pesticide Programs FROM: Marquea D. King, Ph.~&'~&; Designated Federal Official, FIFRA SAR,gtaff Office of Science Coordination and Policy THRU: Steven Knott, M.S. 0-.-.,L__ . n Executive Secretary, FLFRA SAP Panel ~,::'(/fl /fu~ Office of Science Coordination and Policy Stanley Barone Jr., M.S ., Ph.D. Af h .• I .__.--:;i _o Acting Director 1"'~~ Office of Science Coordination and Policy Attached, please find the meeting minutes fo r the FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel open meeting held in Arlington, Virginia on May 8-9, 20 18. This report addresses a set of scientific issues being considered by Lhe Environmental Protection Agency regarding methods for efficacy testing of pesticides used for premise treatments for invertebrate pests and treatment for fire ants. Attachment Page2of2 cc: Nancy Beck Louise Wise Charlotte Bertrand Rick Keigwin Anna Lowit, Ph.D. Mike Goodis Linda Strauss Cheryl Dunton OPP Docket FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel Members Dana Barr, Ph.D. Marion Ehrich, Ph.D. David Jett, Ph.D. James McManaman, Ph.D. Joseph Shaw, Ph.D. Sonya Sobrian, Ph.D. FQPA Science Review Board Members Arthur Appel, Ph.D. Jerry Cook, Ph.D. Christopher Geden, Ph.D. L.C. "Fudd" Graham, Ph.D. Elmer Gray, M. Ag. Jerome Hogsette, Jr., Ph.D.
  • Ant Venoms. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical

    Ant Venoms. Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical

    CE: Namrta; ACI/5923; Total nos of Pages: 5; ACI 5923 Ant venoms Donald R. Hoffman Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Purpose of review Greenville, North Carolina, USA The review summarizes knowledge about ants that are known to sting humans and their Correspondence to Donald R. Hoffman, PhD, venoms. Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Recent findings 600 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834, USA Fire ants and Chinese needle ants are showing additional spread of range. Fire ants are Tel: +1 252 744 2807; e-mail: [email protected] now important in much of Asia. Venom allergens have been characterized and Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical studied for fire ants and jack jumper ants. The first studies of Pachycondyla venoms Immunology 2010, 10:000–000 have been reported, and a major allergen is Pac c 3, related to Sol i 3 from fire ants. There are very limited data available for other ant groups. Summary Ants share some common proteins in venoms, but each group appears to have a number of possibly unique components. Further proteomic studies should expand and clarify our knowledge of these fascinating animals. Keywords ant, fire ant, jack jumper ant, phospholipase, sting, venom Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 10:000–000 ß 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 1528-4050 east [4] and P. sennaarensis in the middle east [5]. These Introduction two species are commonly referred to as Chinese needle Ants are among the most biodiverse organisms on earth. ants and samsum ants.