Effects and consequences of Solenopsis invicta venom on physiological responses and survivorship Alligator missippiensis hatchlings

MARIA VIRGINIA PARACHÚ MARCÓ; MERCHANT, MARK; PABLO ARIEL SIROSKI; CARLOS IGNACIO PIÑA

Manila

Congreso; 21th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group; 2012

CSG - IUCN

In the United States, approximately of 20% of alligator nests contain S. invicta colonies, and at least 50% of surviving hatchlings shows signs of attacks, such as swelling of toes and eyes, as well as pustules. Studies have demonstrated that the venom delivered bybites of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) affect body weight increases and survival of Alligator mississippiensis (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae) hatchlings. However, the physiological mechanisms and the implications for the immune system after S. invicta attacks are unknown. The aims of this study were to measure plasma corticosterone concentration, white blood cell counts and survivorship of A. mississippiensis hatchlings after exposure to an S. invicta colony. Exposure of hatchling alligators to S. invicta induced an increase in plasma corticosterone over time, a decrease in the total white blood cell counts, and survivorship that could be associated with physiological stress.