Morphology of sting, venom duct, venom sac and venom gland of wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) found in northeastern Thailand

Piyamas N. Sopaladawan

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kham Riang, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, Thailand

Siraprapa Ubonlerd

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Kham Riang, Kantarawichai, Maha Sarakham, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.25

Keywords: Morphology Sting Venom duct Venom gland Venom sac Wasp

Abstract

Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) play a role in the ecosystem as predators. The wasp’s sting is a vital weapon that has varying structures across species. This study aims to investigate morphological characteristics of sting, venom duct, venom sac and venom gland of wasps in three species: Vespa affinis Linnaeus, 1764, V. tropica Linnaeus, 1764, and Provespa barthelemyi Buysson, 1905. Samples were collected from 7 provinces in northeastern Thailand: Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Yasothon, Sakon Nakhon, Sisaket, and Amnat Charoen. Three nests per species, 50 individuals per nest, were collected and preserved in 80% ethanol at -20°C. Thirty wasps per species were studied under a stereo microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Average width and length of the stings and its associated glands were analyzed. The results showed that V. tropica had the most curved stylet tip, with average width and length of 320.60 ± 3.15 and 3634.77 ± 80.89 µm. V. affinis had slightly curved stylet tip, with average width and length of 259.42 ± 3.93 and 3199.24 ± 33.51 µm. P. barthelemyi had very slightly curved, with average width and length of 233.18 ± 1.84 and 2272.74 ± 13.27 µm. One-way ANOVA, Cluster Analysis, and Scatter plotting were performed to classify the populations. The venom gland, venom duct, and venom sac among species had similar characteristics but differed significantly in size, muscle bundle arrangement, and internal width of the venom duct. In conclusion, these characteristics of sting and its associated glands can be used to identify wasp species.

How to Cite

Sopaladawan, P. N., & Ubonlerd, S. (2025). Morphology of sting, venom duct, venom sac and venom gland of wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) found in northeastern Thailand. Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 30(02), APST–30. https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.25

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