Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation

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  Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation Abstract Snake venoms are evolutionarily refined biochemical arsenals composed of diverse toxins with complex functional roles in predation, defense, and competition. Over the past 2 decades, transcriptomic approaches have transformed venom research by enabling high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, molecular diversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms driving venom variation across lineages. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of snake venom transcriptomics literature and propose a conceptual framework structured around three major axes: (1) gene family expansion through duplication and neofunctionalization; (2) regulatory complexity encompassing transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation; and (3) ecological selection pressures shaping venom profiles in response to diet, habitat, and interspecific interactions. We integrate findin...

Discovery of a new intertidal trapdoor spider of the genus Idioctis (Araneae: Barychelidae), with a generic range extension to Taiwan

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Discovery of a new intertidal trapdoor spider of the genus Idioctis (Araneae: Barychelidae), with a generic range extension to Taiwan

Abstract


Most spiders are exclusively terrestrial with only some groups venturing into aquatic habitats, and only a handful of representatives colonizing the marine intertidal zone. Here, we describe a new intertidal trapdoor spider species, Idioctis parilarilao sp. nov., from southern Taiwan and Green Island (Lutao). The original DNA barcode enables species delimitation between different populations from Taiwan and the morphologically closest species, Idioctis xmas, from Christmas Island, Indian Ocean. These analyses reveal that all populations from Taiwan, including Green Island, are conspecific, and are distinct from Idioctis xmas. Given the lack of representation of other species in public databases, our COI gene tree should be seen as preliminary, but it does support the monophyly of the genus Idioctis. As the genus was not previously known from East Asia, our discovery vastly extends the distribution range of Idioctis and the family Barychelidae. Given the tectonic and volcanic specifics of the history of Taiwan and Green Island, and the direction of the known oceanic currents, we provide a preliminary explanation of the biogeographic and diversification history of intertidal spiders in the region.

Kuang-Ping Yu, Ying-Yuan Lo, Ren-Chung Cheng, Robert J. Raven, and Matjaž Kuntner "Discovery of a new intertidal trapdoor spider of the genus Idioctis (Araneae: Barychelidae), with a generic range extension to Taiwan," The Journal of Arachnology 51(2), 238-248, (6 October 2023). https://doi.org/10.1636/JoA-S-22-020