Production, composition, and mode of action of the painful defensive venom produced by a limacodid caterpillar, <i>Doratifera vulnerans</i>
Andrew A. Walker, Samuel D. Robinson, Jean‐Paul Paluzzi, David J. Merritt, Samantha A. Nixon, Christina I. Schroeder, Jiayi Jin, M Goudarzi, Andrew C. Kotze, Zoltan Dekan, Andy Sombke, Paul F. Alewood, Bryan G. Fry, Marc E. Epstein, Irina Vetter, Glenn F. King
Abstract
Significance Venoms of limacodid caterpillars evolved independently to those of previously studied animals, and analysis of their venom therefore provides an opportunity to examine patterns of molecular convergence and divergence underlying the evolution of venom use. We report remarkable convergence in the recruitment of venom peptides between limacodids and other venomous taxa. Like scorpions and spiders, limacodids have weaponized immune system peptides to deter potential predators, although these cecropin-derived venom peptides are more similar in structure and mode of action to the venom peptides of hymenopteran insects. This study reveals a venom system with a unique combination of features not previously reported in other venomous animals and provides insights into the functional basis of venoms of the Limacodidae.