Decahydroquinolines from the venom of a formicinae ant, Oecophylla smaragdina

Ecologically significant species in controlling pests, Oecophylla smaragdina uses its venom to paralyze their prey and to communicate with their colony mates. But no significant analysis of the ant's venom gland secretions has been carried out hitherto. This study describes the identification of venom constituents of Oecophylla smaragdina using coupled gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis. The results indicate the anticipated presence of a neurotoxin i.e., 2, 5 dipropyl decahydroquinoline and phenol, 2, 4-bis (1, 1 dimethylethyl). This is the first report on presence of decahydroquinolines in the venom of formicinae ant species of genera Oecophylla. •Principle component of venom of Oecophylla smaragdina.•We report presence of 2,5 dialkyldecahydroquinoline in the formicinae ant of genera Oecophylla for the first time.•Presence of Phenol, 2,4 – bis (1,1- dimethylethyl) has been reported in insects for the second time in this study.•Investigation of the venom of much less studied formicinae ants.