Vespa Orientalis Research Articles

Comparative Enzyme Activity of Vespa Orientalis Venom and its Photooxidized Venom Products

Comparative Enzyme Activity of Vespa Orientalis Venom and its Photooxidized Venom Products

Diet of Asiatic black bear in its westernmost distribution range, southern Iran

Abstract We opportunistically collected and analyzed 80 scats of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) from den entrances and other areas at 2 sites within Hormozgan Province, Iran, from March 2010 to February 2011. We identified 27 food items dominated by cultivated date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit, oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis), and Christ's thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) fruit with frequency of occurrence 55.0%, 30.0%, and 20.0%; and percentage volume 75.0%, 55.8%, and 86.7%, respectively. Our study highlights the potential importance of human-related foods to Asiatic black bear diets. Our findings may help conservation managers to identify areas of notable potential conflict for Asiatic black bears and implement conflict-reducing measures such as installing better protective fences for reducing horticulture loss.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Oriental Hornet, Vespa orientalis F. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The Oriental Hornet (Vespa orientalis) is a social insect belonging to the Vespiade family (Wasps, Hornets, Yellowjackets), genus Vespa (true Hornets). The oriental hornet is a scavenger and an agricultural pest, especially to bee farmers, but is also recently described as a harvester of solar energy. Here, we report the mitochondrial genome sequence of the Oriental Hornet, Vespa orientalis F., which may play a vital role in understanding this wasp biology, light trapping and generation of electricity. The mitochondrial genome of this hornet is 16,099 bp in length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 21 transfer RNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNA genes. The overall base composition of the heavy-strand is 40.3% A, 5.9% C, 13.2% G, and 40.6% T, the percentages of A and T being higher than that of G and C. The mitochondrial genome of the Oriental Hornet, Vespa orientalis F. represents the first mitogenome of a solar energy harvesting insect.

Morphological characterization and wing description of Vespa orientalis orientalis queens

Oriental hornets, Vespa orientalis, are dangerous enemy to bee colonies in some countries of the world. There are more than one subspecies of V. orientalis. Few studies have investigated the morphological characteristics of these subspecies. Morphological characterization can help in confirming and discriminating between the subspecies, and to follow any changes in their morphology over time. In this study, some body characteristics of V. orientalis orientalis queens from Egypt were measured including head width, fore wing length and width, hind wing length and width, femur length, tibia length and approximate stinger length. Also, fore wing characteristics using wing coordinates for 20 landmarks were studied. Computer based techniques were applied to take these measurements. The data of the current study can be utilized for comparisons with other subspecies.

Parasites-Predators:Their Occurrence and Invasive Impact on the Tropical Tasar Silkworm <I>Antheraea mylitta</I> (Drury) in the Zone of Central India

Tasar silk is produced by the wild silkworm Antheraea mylitta (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Owing to its inherent wild nature, the silkworm is exposed to a complex of parasites, predators and diseases that reduce the total silk production. Occurrence and invasion by three parasites and nine predators of A. mylitta are studied here. Moreover, on the basis of their attack and symptoms of parasitism and/or predation, percentage of crop loss (mortality) of A. mylitta is calculated. The parasites including Xanthopimpla pedator (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) were observed as a major pupal endoparasitoid of A. mylitta , which affects about 7-12% of tasar cocoon. In addition, the beetle Dermestes ater (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) also affects the pupa/cocoon of A. mylitta , while the Tachnid fly, Blepharipa sp., recognized as a larval-pupal parasite of the silkworm, cause about 1- 2% and 2-3% of tasar crop loss respectively. Consequently, among the predators, Canthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Pentatomidae: Hemiptera), was observed as a major predator of A. mylitta that causes about 6-11% of tasar larval mortality. However, 2-3% and 3-4% of crop mortality occurs due to predation by Hierodula bipapilla (Serville) (Mantidae: Dictyoptera) and Vespa orientalis (Linnaeus) (Vespidae: Hymenoptera) respectively. The predatory ants Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius) (Formicidae: Hymenoptera) and Myrmicaria brunnea (Saunders) (Formicidae: Hymenoptera) also contribute to crop reduction by 4-5% and 3-5% respectively. Similarly, non-insect predators such as birds, lizards, squirrels, rats, etc. also affect the silkworm, which further reduces tasar silk production. Therefore, a survey was undertaken in the tasar rearing fields of Vidarbha, Maharashtra, India and the occurrence of the parasites and predators was studied.

In vitro antihistamine-releasing activity of a peptide derived from wasp venom of Vespa orientalis

ObjectiveTo investigate the antihistamine-releasing effect of a peptide isolated from wasp venom of Vespa orientalis. MethodsThis peptide was separated from crude venom by chromatography methods and mass spectrometry. Then various concentrations (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 μmol/L) of the peptide were incubated with mast cells and lactate dehydrogenase assay was performed. ResultsNo significant effect was observed in lactate dehydrogenase absorbance under 128 μmol/L concentration. This implied that the peptide did not cause cell death in mast cells and consequently, histamine release did not happen. Moreover, the results showed the IC50 of mast cells degranulation at 126 μmol/L, which was approximately high implying that this peptide had high selectivity for normal cells and did not cause histamine release from these cells. ConclusionsThis would be a great aim in new drug development, in which an agent acts potentially on its target tissue without activating the immune system.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF THREE INSECT SPECIES, CRUDE EXTRACTS AGAINTS CERTAIN MICROBIAL AGENTS.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal activities of crude extracts of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis and the oriental hornet, Vespa orientalis using different solvents; methanol, petroleum ether and chloroform against Gram-positive bacteria; Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli and fungi; Penicillium chrysogenum and Candida albicans. Preparation of crude insect extracts from the whole body of the three species were firstly washed with 80 % ethanol as a disinfectant, then rinsed in distilled water, excess water was removed by filter paper, then homogenized in 10 ml of the first solvent, centrifuged at 13,000 r.p.m. for 30 min.at 4oC, supernatant was removed and used as first solvent extract, residue was soaked in the second solvent then centrifuged, The previous step was carried out with the remain solvent as mentioned before. All solvent extracts were dried by evaporation of solvents for usage in the antimicrobial activity tests. A strong effect against Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus was observed by the extraction of desert locust by petroleum ether as an inhibition zone recorded 30±0.1mm and 32±0.4 mm, respectively. While the inhibition zone effect of the desert locust and the oriental hornet extracted by methanol was 23±0.2mm, 26±0.44mm and 24±0.26mm, 24±0.64mm, respectively. While the oriental hornet extracted by petroleum ether was 26±0.18 mm, 25±0.51mm. On the other hand, Escherichia coli inhibited by the oriental hornet extracts, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa inhibited by two oriental hornet extracted by methanol, petroleum ether and the desert locust extracted by chloroform, respectively. While all extracts except the oriental hornet extracted by chloroform have antifungal activity against Penicillium chrysogenum. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Crud extract, Insect, bacteria and fungi.

Asymmetric syntheses of the lactone core of tetrahydrolipstatin and tetrahydroesterastin and of the oriental hornet Vespa Orientalis pheromone

A synthetic approach to the lactone core of the anti-obesity drugs tetrahydrolipstatin and tetrahydroesterastin has been developed starting from readily accessible methyl (5S)-5-{[tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl]-oxy}-3-oxohexadecanoate. (6S)-6-Undecyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one, the oriental hornet Vespa Orientalis pheromone, has also been synthesized. A formal synthesis of (3S,4R,6S)-dihydroxy-6-undecyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one (metabolite of a fungus separated from mangrove seeds) has been proposed.

(5S)-5-hydroxy-3-methylidenehexanoate as key intermediate in synthesis of tetrahydrolipstatin and pheromone of oriental hornet Vespa Orientalis

Proceeding from the readily available methyl (5S)-5-hydroxy-3-methylidenehexanoate obtained by the reaction of asymmetric allylation a new approach has been developed to the preparation of (6S)-6-undecyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one which has underlain the synthesis of (6S)-6-undecyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one, the pheromone of oriental hornet Vespa Orientalis, and also the formal synthesis of the tetrahydrolipstatin, a drug for weight loss.

Influence of abiotic factors on seasonal incidence of pests of tasar Silkworm Antheraea mylitta D.

Rearing of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury is mainly conducted in outdoor on Terminalia tomentosa W. & A. a nature grown primary host plant available in forest and also on raised primary host plant Terminalia arjuna Bedd. Temperature, relative humidity and rainfall are the main environmental factors for occurrence of pests (parasites and predators) of tasar silkworm during I, II and III crop rearing in the tropical tasar producing zones. The present study was aimed to study the influence of abiotic factors on prevalence of tasar silkworm pests. The study was conducted at different agro-climatic regions viz., Central Tasar Research &Training Institute, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Regional Extension Centre, Katghora, Chattisgarh and Regional Extension Centre, Hatgamaria during 2010-13 covering 3 seed crop and 6 commercial crops. Data on incidence of tropical tasar silkworm endo-parasitoids like Uzi Fly, Blepharipa zebina Walker and Ichneumon fly (Yellow Fly), Xathopimpla pedator, Fabricius and Predators such as Stink bug (Eocanthecona furcellata Wolf), Reduviid bug (Sycanus collaris Fabricius) and Wasp (Vespa orientalis Linnaeus) was recorded Weekly. The meteorological data was collected daily. Data was collected from 4 different agro-climatic zones of tasar growing areas. Analysis of the data revealed a significant negative correlation between abiotic factors and incidence of ichneumon fly and uzi fly. Based on the 3 years data on prevalence of pests region-wise pest calendars and prediction models were developed.

New applications for protecting honeybee, Apis mellifera L., colonies from attacking the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis Fab.)

The efficiency of three modifications on hive entrance to protect honeybee colonies from the serious damage occurred by the predatory hornet, Vespa orientalis Fab. Was investigated at apiary in Giza region during hornet active season, 2012. These modifications were large or small cuboid queen excluder (LCQE & SCQE, respectively) and a piece of queen excluder (QE) covered wintering entrance of the hive door, in comparison with unprotected colonies, (control). The numbers of predatory hornets attack SCQE and control colonies was significantly higher (6.8 & 6.7 hornets/col./3 min., respectively) than those attacking colonies supplied with LCQE and winter hole with QE, (6.0 & 6.3 hornets/col./3 min., respectively). The peak of hornet onslaught recorded during October and September, (9.6 & 8.8 hornets/col./3 min., respectively). Unprotected colonies were significantly lost the highest number of bees by predation, (2.39 bees/col./3 min.) in contrast with LCQE and SCQE (0.27 & 0.29 bees/col./3 min.) treatments. Sever attack resulted in extermination of control colonies within three weeks of September and colonies of QE through October. Good success was attained using LCQE and SCQE stabled over hive entrance which resulted in 100 % survival.

The stinging Apidae and Vespidae (Hymenoptera: Apocrita) in Iranian islands, Qeshm, Abu–Musa, Great Tunb and Lesser Tunb on the Persian Gulf

To study the stinging flying Hymenoptera (Apidae and Vespidae) fauna in four Iranian Islands, Qeshm, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu-Musa on the Persian Gulf. The flies were captured by used of Malaise trap, fly trap, bottle trap and insect net-hashing from March 2011 to July 2012. In this study, 11 species of stinging Hymenoptera were reported for the first time in Persian Gulf region. Some of this species such as Vespa orientalis and Polistes olivaceus are more common in the Persian Gulf islands and can cause clinical problem to islands resident and travelers.

Going green with algae

Going green with algae

FEEECT OF SOME CLIMATIC FACTORS ON THE SEASONAL ACTIVITY OF ORIENTAL WASP, VESPA ORIENTALIS L. ATTACKTING HONEYBEE COLONIES IN DAKAHLIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

The Seasonal abundance of oriental wasp (Vespa orientalis L.) populations attacking honeybee colonies was investigated based on the number of trapped adults in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt, during 2010/2011 for one year. A wire screen traps were used for V. orientalis controlling in the apiary, using fermented sugar syrup- solution or honey as bait. Results revealed that V. orientalis queens were started to appear as observed from January to May 2011, with a peak of activity during May. V. orientalis workers were collected from June 2010 to February 2011, with a peak in October then November, respectively. A gradual decrease in V. orientalis numbers was observed during December 2010 and January 2011 and no oriental wasp individual was observed during March 2011. An average of 28.75 queens and 156.25 workers were collected during May 2011 and October 2011, respectively. Correlation study revealed that there was significant positive correlation between the wasps' population and average temperature (r=0.137). Also, significant positive correlation between the wasps' population and average humidity (r=0.560) was observed. In addition, negative correlation was noticed between the wasps' population and average wind speed (r=0.549) during the experimental period. Its recommended using fermented sugar syrup or honey as bait for captured the oriental hornet queens and for captured the oriental hornet workers using bait consists of (fermented honey with little brower yeast and grape syrup). Key words: Honeybees. Predators. Vespa orientalis. Seasonal abundance. Climatic factors.

In vitro antibacterial effect of wasp (Vespa orientalis) venom.

BackgroundThe emergence of antibacterial resistance against several classes of antibiotics is an inevitable consequence of drug overuse. As antimicrobial resistance spreads throughout the globe, new substances will always be necessary to fight against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. Venoms of many animals have recently gained attention in the search for new antimicrobials to treat infectious diseases. Thefore, the present study aimed to study the antibacterial effects of wasp (Vespa orientalis) crude venom.Two gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and two gram-negative ones (Escherichia coli and Klesiella pneumonia) were compared for their sensitivity to the venom by determining the inhibition zone (Kirby-Bauer method) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). A microbroth kinetic system based on continuous monitoring of changes in the optical density of bacterial growth was also used for determination of antimicrobial activity.ResultsThe venom exhibited a well-recognized antimicrobial property against the tested bacterial strains. The inhibition zones were determined to be 12.6, 22.7, 22.4 and 10.2 mm for S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and K. pneumonia, respectively. The corresponding MIC values were determined to be 64, 8, 64 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. The MIC50 and MIC90 values of the venom were respectively determined to be 63.6 and 107 μg/mL for S. aureus, 4.3 and 7.0 μg/mL for B. subtilis, 45.3 and 65.7 μg/mL for E. coli and 74.4 and 119.2 μg/mL for K. pneumonia. Gram-positive bacteria were generally more sensitive to the venom than gram-negative ones.ConclusionsResults revealed that the venom markedly inhibits the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and could be considered a potential source for developing new antibacterial drugs.

BEHAVIORAL REACTION OF THE ORIENTAL WASP, Vespa orientalis L ADULTS IN RESPONSE TO SOME OLFACTORY STIMULANT MATERIALS

The relative attractiveness of some olfactory stimulant materials to the oriental hornet wasp, Vespa orientalis L. was evaluated under laboratory and field conditions. Olfactory stimulant materials included some volatile oils ( cinnamon, bananas, camphor and mint) and other natural materials (yeast, chicken litter, asber fermented grapes and sugar syrup as control). The obtained results revealed that the oriental wasp exhibited different degrees of selectivity in response to the tested olfactory stimulant materials. V.orientalis adults exposed to different volatile oils showed the highest attractiveness to cinnamon followed by camphor and mint oils with significant differences. The waspsexhibited the lowest preferability to bananas. The present study indicated that the oriental hornet wasp exhibited significantly positive response to asber fermented grape and chicken litter in comparison with yeast and sugar syrup. So, asber fermented grape and chicken litter successfully attracted the wasp; these materials can be used in monitoring populations of Vespa orientalis. Traps baited with cinnamon oil proved to be good bio control agent against the oriental wasps as they strongly attractive to them. The oriental wasps, V. orientalis population was considerably decreased in treated apiary in comparison with untreated one. Therefore, cinnamon oil could be used against the oriental wasps in IPM programs.

INITIAL ORIENTATION AND HOMING BY ORIENTAL HORNETS, VESPA ORIENTALIS L. (HYMENOPTERA VESPIDAE)

SUMMARY Workers of Vespa orientalis L. (Hymenoptera Vespidae) are capable of assuming a correct initial homeward orientation after passive displacement various distances from their nests. Initial orientation and homing ability depend on the mode of displacement (with view of the sun, sky and landscape or in the dark) and on the release distance.

Hymenoptera of Afghanistan and the central command area of operations: Assessing the threat to deployed U.S. service members with insect venom hypersensitivity

Insect venom hypersensitivity can pose a threat to personnel deployed to a combat zone but the exposure risk in Afghanistan is currently unknown. This study was designed to assess the threat of Hymenoptera stings and associated allergic reactions in Afghanistan. Hymenoptera species were collected during a deployment to southern Afghanistan from June 2010 through January 2011. The literature was also reviewed to determine species of medically important Hymenoptera recorded in the region. The U.S. Army theater electronic medical data system was mined for ICD-9 codes associated with insect stings to determine the number of theater medical clinic encounters addressing insect sting reactions. Three species of flying hymenoptera were commonly encountered during the study period: Vespa orientalis L., Polistes wattii Cameron, and Vespula germanica (F.). A literature review also confirms the presence of honeybees (Apidae), numerous velvet ant (Mutillidae) species, and various ant (Formicidae) species all capable of stinging. No evidence was identified to suggest that fire ants (Solenopsis ssp.) are a threat in the region. Based on electronic medical records from the U.S. Central Command area of operations over a 2-year period, roughly 1 in 500 clinic visits involved a patient with a diagnosis of insect bite or sting. Cross-reactive members of all five flying Hymenoptera species commonly assessed for in Hymenoptera allergy evaluations are present in Afghanistan. The review of in-theater medical records confirms that insect stings pose an environmental threat to deployed service members.

Immunotherapy with Commercial Venoms Is Efficacious for Anaphylactic Reactions to Vespa orientalis Stings

Background:Vespa orientalis (VO) stings occasionally induce anaphylaxis. In the absence of commercial VO venom, allergists use commercial venoms for immunotherapy, despite having no indication regarding efficacy. We attempted to examine the effectiveness of immunotherapy with commercial venoms in patients with VO allergy and to identify the venom accountable for this effect. Methods: Patients who unequivocally identified VO as the culprit insect were administered venom immunotherapy with the commercial venoms available in Israel to which they had positive skin tests. Patients were also skin tested with VO venom sac extracts and, after reaching the maintenance dose, were sting challenged by a live insect. The allergenic components in the venom were determined by immunoblotting. Results: Twelve patients were recruited and, based on their skin test results, all were treated with yellow jacket (YJ) venom, either alone or combined with other venoms. All 8 patients who were sting challenged by VO demonstrated positive skin test responses to VO venom. Six of the stung patients tolerated the sting challenge uneventfully. Two patients developed minimal transient symptoms that resolved spontaneously. SDS-PAGE with patient sera suggested cross-reactivity between VO and YJ venoms at molecular weights of 39–42 kDa. Using phospholipases, antigen 5 and hyaluronidase derived from several Vespa, Dolichovespula and Vespula species, hyaluronidase is possibly accountable for inducing the allergic reaction. Conclusion: In the absence of commercial VO venom the practice of treating patients allergic to this insect with available commercial venoms seems to be efficacious and YJ venom is probably responsible for this effect.

Scavenger deterrent factor (SDF) from symbiotic bacteria of entomopathogenic nematodes

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are symbiotically associated with bacteria in the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, respectively. The symbiotic bacteria produce a chemical compound(s) that deterred ants from feeding on nematode-killed insects (i.e., cadavers) and has been previously referred to as an Ant Deterrent Factor (ADF). We studied the response of different arthropod scavenger species which included the ant Lepisiota frauenfeldi, cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, wasps Vespa orientalis and Paravespula sp., and calliphorid fly Chrysomya albiceps, to ADF. These scavengers (ants, crickets, and wasps) were exposed to cadavers with and without the nematode/bacterium complex or to Photorhabdus luminescens cultures of different ages on different substrates. The ant, cricket, and wasp species did not feed on nematode-killed insects containing the nematode/bacterium complex that were 2days old and older but fed on 1-day-old nematode-killed and freeze -killed insects. Crickets consumed 2- to 7-day-old axenic nematode-killed insects, 1-, 4-, and 5-day-old insects killed by the bacterium, Serratia marcescens, and freeze-killed, putrid insects that were up to 10days old. The crickets only partially consumed 2- and 3-day-old insects killed by S. marcescens which differed significantly from the 1-, 4-, and 5-day-old killed insects by this bacterium. Ants fed only on 5% sucrose solution (control) and 1- to 3- day old cultures of P. luminescens containing 5% sucrose but not on older cultures of P. luminescens. Wasps did not feed on meat treated with P. luminescens supernatant, whereas they fed on meat treated with Escherichia coli supernatant and control meat. Calliphorid flies did not oviposit on meat treated with P. luminescens supernatant but did oviposit on untreated meat. Based on the response of these scavengers, the chemical compound(s) responsible for this deterrent activity should be called “scavenger deterrent factor” (SDF).