Identification, expression, and immuno-reactivity of Sol i 2 & Sol i 4 venom proteins of queen red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

► Identification and sequencing of two queen venom proteins (Sol i 2q and Sol i 4q). ► Expression of queen and homologous worker venom protein in Escherichia coli. ► Reduced immuno-reactivity of queen venom protein than conspecific worker venom protein. ► Expressed worker venom proteins bound similarly as native venom proteins to human RIFA IgE and monoclonal antibodies.