Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia)

  Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) Abstract Snake venom variability is a critical factor in antivenom production. Although several influencing factors have been studied, the impact of extraction interval on venom properties remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of various extraction intervals on venom yield, the percentage of dry weight (%Dw), and composition in the monocled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ). Twenty-five captive snakes were randomly allocated to five groups, each undergoing a control extraction followed by a repeated extraction at 1, 4, 7, 10, or 14 days. Venom profiles were characterized using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated that while fresh venom yield remained stable across all intervals, %Dw significantly decreased in extractions performed between 1 and 10 days, ...

Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part XXIX. A new species of Neobuthus from Somaliland (Buthidae)

 


Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part XXIX. A new species of Neobuthus from Somaliland (Buthidae)

Abstract

A new species Neobuthus fryntai sp. nov. confirmed by DNA phylogeny (paper in preparation) is described according to morphological characters. It is morphologically most similar to N. factorio Kovařík, Lowe, Elmi et Hure, 2018. Neobuthus fryntai sp. nov. has pedipalp segments relatively slender than N. factorio, males with femur L/W 2.74–2.86 (2.42–2.70 in N. factorio), patella L/W 2.50–2.62 (2.18–2.28 in N. factorio), chela L/W 4.68–4.98 (4.25–4.48 in N. factorio). Included is actualized distribution map of the genus Neobuthus Hirst, 1911 with focus to Somaliland.

Kovařík, František & Elmi, Hassan & Frýdlová, Petra. (2023). Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part XXIX. A new species of Neobuthus from Somaliland (Buthidae). 59-69.