A remarkable discovery about the oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis) reveals its extraordinary ability to consume alcohol without adverse effects, surpassing any known animal tolerance. This intriguing research has stirred significant attention in the scientific community.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have found that the oriental hornet thrives on a diet that includes nectar and ripe fruits such as grapes. These fruits naturally ferment over time, resulting in ethanol production.
While ethanol can serve as a nutritional source, it is also highly intoxicating. Most animals that consume fermenting fruits, such as fruit flies and tree shrews, can only tolerate up to 4 percent ethanol in their diets. However, the research team conducted an experiment where hornets were given various sugary solutions with ethanol concentrations ranging from 1 to 80 percent after a week of fasting. Astonishingly, the hornets remained unphased, showing no behavioral or lifespan changes even at the highest ethanol levels, which are four times greater than those typically found in nature.
The findings prompted study author Eran Levin to express disbelief over the results, given that even the initial experiments with 20 percent ethanol yielded incredible outcomes.
Genomic analysis of different hornet species indicated that these insects possess two to four copies of a gene responsible for producing NADP+, a compound that aids in alcohol breakdown. This genetic adaptation may elucidate why the oriental hornet—and potentially other hornet species—can withstand such high levels of alcohol consumption.
The hornets’ unique ability to tolerate alcohol could provide them with a competitive advantage in seeking out nutrient-rich fermented foods. Researchers suggest that this tolerance may be tied to the hornets’ symbiotic relationship with brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which not only resides within the hornets’ intestines but also plays a role in their energy acquisition. This mutualistic interaction may allow hornets to effectively transfer yeast from one fruit to another, providing benefits to both species.
Topics:
- insects/
- drugs and alcohol
