Koch, L., Niedermeyer, T. H. J. & Tragust, S.

Acid reign: formicine ants and their venoms

Venoms are found across all animal phyla and represent key adaptive traits in various ecological contexts, particularly in predator-prey interactions. Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) produce a wide range of chemically diverse defensive secretions. The venoms of the non-stinging ant subfamily Formicinae largely consist of concentrated formic acid but also contain a multitude of other compounds, many of which are yet unidentified. Formicine ants use their venoms not only for attack and defense but also for disinfection and hygiene, communication, and even as antivenoms and herbicides. Here, we present a review of the scattered literature on formicine ant venoms regarding venom apparatus morphology, venom composition, and venom function. Further, we aim to contextualize old and recent knowledge on formicine ant venoms, comparing them with venoms from other ant subfamilies and animal venoms in general.

Open access, licensed under CC BY 4.0. © 2025 The Author(s).

Venom, formic acid, toxungen, ant venom, chemical communication, nest sanitation, acidopore grooming, Formicinae, Formicidae, Aculeata, Hymenoptera.