Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Biological Sciences BS

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Kaitlin Baudier

Second Advisor

Dr. Shahid Karim

Advisor Department

Biological Sciences

Abstract

Ants are ecologically important and highly abundant organisms, playing key roles in many ecosystems. One recently introduced species in the southeastern United States is Odontomachus haematodus (the two-spined trap-jaw ant), a South American native that has often been misidentified, contributing to limited research on its biology and venom composition. This study aimed to provide the first detailed characterization of the venom apparatus and proteome of O. haematodus. Specimens were collected and dissected, and venom-related proteins were extracted and analyzed using SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS-ESI). Confocal microscopy was also used to visualize the sting apparatus, including F-actin filaments and nuclei. Proteomic analysis identified venom-related proteins comprising approximately 2.15% of the partial proteome of dissected venom apparatuses. Identified venom proteins were classified into functional groups, including proteases and phospholipases, and new hypotheses regarding their potential roles were formed and discussed. Comparative analysis revealed similarities between the venom profiles of O. haematodus with Harpegnathos saltator and Dinoponera quadriceps, all being predatory ponerine ant species, suggesting conserved venom components within the subfamily Ponerinae. This study provides the first integrative analysis of the venom apparatus and proteome of O. haematodus, contributing to the growing field of entomo-venomics. These findings establish a foundation for future research into the allergenic potential of its venom and its possible applications in biomedical research.

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