Abstract
BackgroundLethal dose 50% is a classical index of toxicity that usually employs small rodents as experimental animals. Therefore, scarce data are available on the effects of venom on invertebrates, particularly the impact of wasp venom on its own species.FindingsIn the present study, the lethality of Vespa crabro venom on its own species was studied. Lethal dose 50% values of crude venom on workers of hornet Vespa crabro were estimated to be 4.0 mg/kg of body weight.ConclusionsWasps can use their venom apparatus effectively when attacking foreign workers that appear in the immediate vicinity of their nest. The toxins released during stinging are potent enough to kill. The result of this study eliminates the popular myth that venomous animals can be resistant to their own venom.
Highlights
Lethal dose 50% is a classical index of toxicity that usually employs small rodents as experimental animals
The classical method of determining the toxicity of a substance is the lethal dose 50% (LD50), which is often used in analysis of different animal toxins [1,2,3,4,5,6]
Almost all studies about venom activity are based on the lethality of small rodents including mice and rats
Summary
Lethal dose 50% is a classical index of toxicity that usually employs small rodents as experimental animals. Findings The classical method of determining the toxicity of a substance is the lethal dose 50% (LD50), which is often used in analysis of different animal toxins [1,2,3,4,5,6]. A few studies on the lethal activity of a venom on its own species demonstrated significant results [8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
