Semiterpenoid esters from the venom of the European hornet, Vespa crabro (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

✍ Scribed by J.W. Wheeler; M.T. Shamim; P. Brown; R.M. Duffield

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1983
• Tongue: French
• Weight: 220 KB
• Volume: 24
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0040-4039
• DOI: 10.1016/s0040-4039(00)94208-4

✦ Synopsis

A series of semiterpenoid esters unique in insects have been identified in the venom of the European hornet. The non-volatile components of bee and wasp venoms have been analyzed extensively.' Only in Paravespula vulgaris, 2 a European yellowjacket, have volatiles been identified in venom gland extracts. Here we report that the venom gland of another vespid wasp, Vespa crabro,3 contains trace amounts of a complex mixture of volatile semiterpenoid esters and alcohols. Vespa crabro is the largest eusocial wasp in the United States. When disturbed, this normally docile wasp becomes aggressive, spraying intruders with a sweet-smelling fluid released from the abdomen, and then usually stings. Crushed venom glands have a similar sweet odor.