New Research Shows Eastern Hornets Can Withstand Extremely High Alcohol Concentrations, Surpassing Any Other Animal Species.
Consuming low levels of ethanol is not particularly surprising in the animal kingdom. In the case of the Eastern Hornet (scientific name: Vespa orientalis), this ability stems from their diet, which consists of ripe fruits and nectar — substances that ferment and produce ethanol.
For many species, even with good adaptations to ethanol consumption, ingesting any concentration above 4% can lead to negative health impacts, and in severe cases, death.
Typically, this can increase the risk of adverse health effects and, in more extreme cases, result in fatality.
Hornets can “drink” 80% alcohol without any ill effects (Illustrative photo: Getty).
However, a group of researchers from Tel Aviv University (Israel) discovered that Eastern Hornets can handle ethanol concentrations up to 80% without altering their behavior or survival abilities.
Surprisingly, they may not even require additional food sources, as they can survive on ethanol alone for one week and still “thrive.”
Indeed, the research team collected male hornets from across the university campus and placed them in testing boxes.
For one week, they had nothing to eat other than a sugar solution with ethanol concentrations ranging from 0% to 80%. Afterward, they monitored the hornets’ behavior and longevity.
Strangely, regardless of the ethanol concentration tested, the hornets showed no signs of behavioral changes or increased mortality.
The authors explain in the study that the hornets’ ability to consume such high alcohol concentrations without any side effects is likely due to their genetic characteristics.
Specifically, the hornets’ tolerance to ethanol may be attributed to multiple copies of the alcohol dehydrogenase (NADP+) gene. This gene encodes a special enzyme capable of breaking down ethanol at any concentration they encounter.
This discovery suggests a hypothesis that the symbiotic relationship between ethanol-producing organisms and their hosts could be the origin of their “immunity” to the use and metabolism of ethanol.
Thus, Eastern Hornets may provide valuable insights into the physiological and behavioral aspects stemming from ethanol immunity.
Additionally, they may clarify the underlying mechanisms and potential treatments for alcohol use disorders in humans.
