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The assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis produces two distinct venoms in separate gland lumens

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew A. Walker

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Mark L. Mayhew

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Jiayi Jin

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Volker Herzig

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Eivind A. B. Undheim

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Andy Sombke

    (University of Greifswald)

  • Bryan G. Fry

    (The University of Queensland)

  • David J. Meritt

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Glenn F. King

    (The University of Queensland)

Abstract

The assassin bug venom system plays diverse roles in prey capture, defence and extra-oral digestion, but it is poorly characterised, partly due to its anatomical complexity. Here we demonstrate that this complexity results from numerous adaptations that enable assassin bugs to modulate the composition of their venom in a context-dependent manner. Gland reconstructions from multimodal imaging reveal three distinct venom gland lumens: the anterior main gland (AMG); posterior main gland (PMG); and accessory gland (AG). Transcriptomic and proteomic experiments demonstrate that the AMG and PMG produce and accumulate distinct sets of venom proteins and peptides. PMG venom, which can be elicited by electrostimulation, potently paralyses and kills prey insects. In contrast, AMG venom elicited by harassment does not paralyse prey insects, suggesting a defensive role. Our data suggest that assassin bugs produce offensive and defensive venoms in anatomically distinct glands, an evolutionary adaptation that, to our knowledge, has not been described for any other venomous animal.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew A. Walker & Mark L. Mayhew & Jiayi Jin & Volker Herzig & Eivind A. B. Undheim & Andy Sombke & Bryan G. Fry & David J. Meritt & Glenn F. King, 2018. "The assassin bug Pristhesancus plagipennis produces two distinct venoms in separate gland lumens," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-03091-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03091-5
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