Asp Caterpillar Venom Evolved From 400M-Year-Old Ancient Bacteria

The venom of an asp caterpillar is a form of a bacteria that has evolved 400 million years and can make people sick.

Evolving From a 400 Million-Year-Old Ancient Bacteria

The venom of the notorious asp caterpillar has a strange history, according to researchers at The University of Queensland, and it may hold the secret to delivering life-saving medications.

Researchers from the University of Queensland's Institute for Molecular Bioscience discovered that the toxins in asp caterpillar venom damage cells in the same way that pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli do.

Walker and his crew were taken aback to learn that the asp caterpillar's venom was unlike anything they had ever encountered in an insect. When they examined it more carefully, they discovered proteins that were strikingly similar to several of the bacterial toxins that are harmful to humans.

These particular bacterial toxins attach to the surface of cells and group together to generate holes that resemble donuts.

Walker claimed that the process is comparable to that of box jellyfish venom and, as they have now discovered, caterpillar venom. Through the transmission of genes from bacteria that existed over 400 million years ago, the venom in these present-day caterpillars has evolved.

Asp Caterpillar

Native to North America, the asp caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, is a moth larva that frequently inhabits oak or elm trees.

While it may appear harmless, its long, hair-like bristles actually cover poisonous spines that can cause a painful sting that has been compared to touching a lump of burning coal or receiving a blow to the head and frequently sends sufferers to the hospital.

Walker stated that the team is interested in learning how the insects, predators, and defensive systems are all related. Many caterpillars have evolved complex defenses against predators, such as protective glues that cause excruciating pain.

Toxic Venom and Delivery

Venoms are a rich source of novel compounds that may one day be used in pesticides, medications, or scientific instruments. Caterpillar venom is particularly understudied, despite the remarkable potential the venom of spiders and snakes has previously shown.

Walker also made the point that because they may enter cells, toxins that cause holes to form in them have a special potential for drug delivery. There may be a method to modify the molecule to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy cells from harmful medications, Phys Org reports.

The research, done by Walker and his team, is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

First Aid for Stings

To help ease the sting's itching and burning feelings, an ice pack should be placed in the area. Oral antihistamines can also be taken. Try carefully applying and removing cellophane tape to the sting location of caterpillars with thick spines. This aids in getting rid of the grating spines. Consult a doctor right away if you experience adverse symptoms such as generalized itching or breathing difficulties.

Aspirin is apparently ineffective for treating severe pain; instead, doctors occasionally prescribe morphine, meperidine HCl, or codeine. Additionally, eye injuries should be reported right away to a professional, according to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.