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

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  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, ...

External morphology of Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae)

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External morphology of Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae)

Abstract


Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 is redefined in both sexes. The detailed external morphologies of chelae, pectinal organs, chelicerae, telsons, and legs I-IV were surveyed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) in both sexes of H. lep-turus for the first time. The constellation arrays, bat-like shaped peg sensilla, trichobothria, and the other sensillar and epicuticular structures were described, and their functional morphologies were interpreted considering the species' habitat and other climatic preferences. The constellation arrays, basiconic sensilla, function as a chemoreceptor (hygro-reception or/and thermo-reception) by its location on the pedipalp in the habitat. The shape of the peg sensilla is remarkably bat-like in both sexes and this shape has not been observed or recorded in any scorpion species, functioning as mechanoreception and contact chemo-reception. There are three slit sensilla as single slit, dual and triple slit sensilla on I-IV walking legs, being mechanoreceptors as proprioceptors detecting strain and substrate vibrations during movement. Isolated single slit sensillum was recorded on the chelicerae surface of a scorpion species for the first time.