Beyond formic acid: Peptides in carpenter ant venoms aid in disease protection

Science Advances 2026 Open access

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Authors: Lukas Koch, Sandro Andreotti, Mario Schubert, Elisa Liebhart, Anton M Zürbig, Julian Gatzki, Benjamin-Florian Hempel, Lydia Kollhoff, Barbara Feldmeyer, Martin Herzberg, Valerie I. C. Rebhahn, Nwet Nwet Win
+9 more Adria C. LeBoeuf, Marat Meleshin, F C Herrmann, Christian Schwieger, Heike Brötz‐Oesterhelt, Andrea Sinz, Mike Schutkowski, Timo H. J. Niedermeyer, Simon Tragust
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aed4078
Cited by: 1
References: 101

Abstract

Venom peptides are key to the evolutionary success of most venomous animals, including stinging ants. The stingless ant subfamily Formicinae is thought to rely solely on formic acid in their venoms, despite early, unsubstantiated hints of proteinaceous venom constituents. Here, we show that carpenter ants, the largest formicine genus, produce a diverse venom peptide arsenal. Mass spectrometry and transcriptomics across eight geographically distant species uncovered 35 peptides, formicitoxins, belonging to two gene families. Several formicitoxins display antifungal activity. Application to pupae delays fungal outgrowth, suggesting a role of the peptides in colony hygiene. Genome analyses revealed that formicitoxins are widespread but variable across the Formicinae. Our findings overturn the paradigm of formicine venoms as simple acid sprays and establish them as a source of bioactive peptides.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
20
Pages
eaed4078–eaed4078
Publication date
13 May 2026
Language
EN