Análise da variação intra e interespecífica na composição do veneno de Hymenoptera sociais pela técnica FTIR-PAS

Abstract

The Hymenoptera are capable of synthesizing chemical compounds that are named venom. These compounds act on the defense of the colony and are used for capturing prey, being essentials when insects stop working inside the nests and begin to work outside, often exposing themselves to dangerous situations. Although the function of the venom and its action are similar between different groups of insects, its composition may not be similar. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess intra and interspecific variation in the venom composition of social wasps and ants by FTIR-PAS technique. To assess the importance of genetic and exogenous components to compose the differences among the venoms of wasps and ants, samples from the two groups were collected in the same environments. The results demonstrate that ants and wasps show clear differences in the composition of their venoms, even among samples of the same environment. Therefore, the genetic component appears to be preponderant to determine the compounds found in one or another species. This proves that the venom composition varies from one family to another in Hymenoptera and can therefore be used as an auxiliary taxonomic tool. On the other hand, exogenous factors, such as diet, in different environments might be responsible for intraspecific differences, particularly in wasps. The FTIR-PAS technique, as well as in work with cuticular chemical compounds proved to be reliable and effective to evaluate the differences in the composition of social Hymenoptera venom.