Molecular composition of the paralyzing venom of three solitary wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) collected in southeast Mexico

The chemical and biological characterization of peptide and protein components of the paralyzing venom from three Pompilidae solitary spider wasps (Pepsis mexicana, Pepsis terminata, and Anoplius nigritus) is described for the first time. The molecular masses of the most abundant peptides were determined. The N-terminal sequences of two cysteine-rich peptides were obtained from Pepsis. Metalloproteinase and hyaluronidase activities were identified in the venom of P. mexicana. A novel non-lethal method to collect venom is described. •The molecular characterization of venom from three Pompilidae is described for first time.•The peptide chromatographic profiles of the three species are different.•Peptides similar to Bradykinin or rich in cysteine were found.•P. mexicana venom presents metalloprotease and hyaluronidase activities.•A novel non-lethal method to collect spider wasp venom is described.