Extraction and preliminary chemical characterization of the venom of the spider wasp Pepsis decorata (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Toxicon. 2018 Aug:150:74-76. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.04.023. Epub 2018 Apr 26.

Abstract

Arthropod venoms may be considered important sources of bioactive molecules; however, technical difficulties, such as venom extraction and homogeneity may impair the biochemical identification of new molecules. In this context, we have developed a method to maintain wasps in captivity that allows the collection of the venom, without use of chemical, mechanical or electrical stimuli. The crude venom was analyzed by RP-HPLC-ESIQ-ToF and 20 peptides were identified by de novo peptide sequencing, among them Eumenine-Mastoparan and a Ponericin-G2-simile peptide.

Keywords: LC MS/MS; Maintenance in captivity; Peptides; Venom milking.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Hymenoptera / physiology*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Species Specificity
  • Wasp Venoms / chemistry*
  • Wasp Venoms / metabolism

Substances

  • Peptides
  • Wasp Venoms