Insecticidal Nature of Ant Venom: Chemical Composition and Applications in Pest Control

Ants (Formicidae), a diverse family of Hymenoptera, exhibit over 13,000 described species classified into 21 subfamilies. Among these, 16 subfamilies possess stinging species, predominantly classified within the poneroid and leptanilloid clades, while the remaining non-stinging subfamilies belong exclusively to the formicoid clade. The venom produced by stinging ants is recognized for its diverse pharmacological effects, encompassing haemolytic, paralytic, cytolytic, antibacterial, insecticidal, allergenic, proinflammatory, and nociceptive qualities. Alkaloids and polypeptides are two principal constituents of ant venom, with significant inter specific variations in their structure and composition. Both of these elements contribute to the insecticidal effects of the venom. Alkaloids including indolizidine, pyrazine, pyrrolidines, and pyrrolizidine are key contributors of ant venom among various genera. The effectiveness of various alkaloids and polypeptides against certain insects varies; they exert their effects through multiple mechanisms such as induction of paralysis, intoxication, reduced reproduction, and rapid mortality in target insect species. Factors such as worker ant age, body size, and seasonal variation influence the quantitative and qualitative venom profile, particularly in terms of alkaloid composition, whereas protein profiles remain relatively stable. Their potential biological activity and mode of action, ant-derived alkaloids and peptides, present a promising source for the development of novel next-generation bioinsecticides and repellents. The present review synthesizes current knowledge on the structural and functional complexity of ant venom, emphasizing its insecticidal properties and potential applications in sustainable pest management strategies.