Save

THE TOXIC EFFECT OF THE BITE AND THE PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE SALIVA AND STOMACH CONTENTS OF THE ROBBER FLIES (DIPTERA ASILIDAE)

In: Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution
Author:
D. KAHAN Department ofZoology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Search for other papers by D. KAHAN in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
Download Citation Get Permissions

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institution

Purchase

Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):

€36.93

The salivary glands of Asilidae contain a venom toxic to locusts, mice and Paramecio. The toxicity of the venom of the various species is different. Venom contained in glands of one or two flies kills a white mouse of 20 g. 1/126 to 1/2 of a gland, according to the species, kills a locust (Locusta migratoria) of an average weight of one gram.

It seems that the venom has a neurotoxic effect, and causes symptoms in white mice, which resemble those caused by the venom of colubrid snakes.

A proteolytic activity has been shown in the saliva (pH. 4–9.4) and stomach juices (pH 2.4–9). One or both sources may be responsible for extra-intestinal digestion. No proteolytic activity was found in the labial glands.

Content Metrics

All Time Past 365 days Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 259 48 12
Full Text Views 26 0 0
PDF Views & Downloads 17 0 0