of proteins, which are mainly neurotoxins that can be highly allergenic. The queens of S. saevissima , like in other fire ant species, mainly produce the alkaloid compound isosolenopsin A (cis-2methyl-6-undecylpiperidine) while the workers mainly produce trans-2methyl-6-undecylpiperidine. This shows that the assortment of alkaloid production is specific to each caste and therefore suggests that the recognition of the various configuration of alkaloid venom may be important for distinguishing the castes. Treatment Venom from the bite of a sterile female fire ant typically causes painful red bumps with white pustules on the skin of its victim. It may also cause severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis which can lead to death. First aid includes external treatments of topical steroid cream and oral medicines of antihistamines. Species group Solenopsis saevissima is the scientific name for both a species group and the species within that group. This can cause some confusion when reading literary studies about them. This is because it encompasses a number of highly similar species which were once all considered under the name "Solenopsis saevissima". This number of species within this species group currently includes 13 individual species which are included in a group of 20 aggressive species of ants popularly known as fire ants. The majority of the species within this group are "thief ants" with small monomorphic workers. They tend to build their colonies near those of other ant species so that they can steal their food. The rest of the species are "fire ants", including the species S. saevissima. These have larger polymorphic workers and forage for their own food. The species group currently comprises thirteen species: Solenopsis altipunctata (probably now re-baptized to Solenopsis metallica) Solenopsis daguerrei (parasitic) Solenopsis electra Solenopsis hostilis (parasitic) Solenopsis interrupta Solenopsis invicta (invasive) Solenopsis macdonaghi Solenopsis megergates Solenopsis pusillignis Solenopsis pythia Solenopsis quinquecuspis Solenopsis richteri (invasive) Solenopsis saevissima Solenopsis weyrauchi References External links saevissima Hymenoptera of North America Insects described in 1885