Polybia sericea (Olivier, 1792) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) predated by Thomisidae (Araneae) in an area of ​​campo rupestre, Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil

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  Polybia sericea (Olivier, 1792) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) predated by Thomisidae (Araneae) in an area of ​​campo rupestre, Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil Summary Trophic interactions between predators play a fundamental role in ecological regulation and ecosystem stability. Social wasps (Vespidae: Polistinae), such as Polybia sericea (Olivier, 1792), are predators and potential pollinators, but are also subject to predation by various taxa, including spiders. This study records, for the first time, the predation of P. sericea by a spider of the Thomisidae family in a rocky field in the Pico do Itambé State Park (PEPI), Minas Gerais, Brazil, on September 12, 2024. The event was observed on a shrubby Fabaceae species during its fertile period, where the spider may have used camouflage to capture the social wasp. This record raises questions about the occasional nature of predation of social wasps by ambush spiders, especially on plants that provide food resources for these insects...

From the sting to the laboratory: A review of the venom peptides of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

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From the sting to the laboratory: A review of the venom peptides of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

Social wasps make up a significant part to the diversity of the Hymenoptera order, one of the most varied insect groups. Beyond their ecological importance, these insects use their venom for defense, protecting their colonies. The venom of social wasps are rich in biologically active substances, including biogenic amines, peptides, proteins, enzymes, allergens, and volatile compounds. These substances can trigger various immune responses, such as allergic reactions and inflammation, and certain peptides demonstrate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticoagulant, and anticancer properties. However, the limited availability of venom and the lack of studies of function for its bioactive compounds remain challenges to its effective utilization. This review compiles 124 peptides isolated from social wasps, highlighting their relevance in biotechnology and medicine, while also discussing their limitations and potential applications. These peptides were isolated from 39 species of social wasps worldwide, underscoring the potential of these insects' venom as a promising source for developing new pharmaceutical products and as a catalyst for drug discovery. Additionally, this work emphasizes a significant gap in research on social wasps collected in the Brazilian Amazon.
Brito, S., Alves, M. N. R., & Somavilla, A. (2025). From the sting to the laboratory: A review of the venom peptides of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Toxicon, 108566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108566