First insights into the role of evolutionary history in shaping venom composition of Vipera ammodytes

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  First insights into the role of evolutionary history in shaping venom composition of Vipera ammodytes Abstract Understanding intraspecific venom variation requires distinguishing the contributions of neutral population history from natural selection. This study aims to determine whether venom variation in the Vipera ammodytes species complex is structured across eight phylogenetic lineages. Despite a complex evolutionary history, venom composition did not differ among phylogenetic units within the analytical framework used, suggesting that shared ancestry alone does not explain venom variation. Whether local adaptation to environmental conditions explains the observed variation remains an open question for future studies. Lakušić, M., Piccoli, C., Anđelković, M., Andonov, K., Burić, I., Brito, J. C., Dyugmedzhiev, A., Merdan, S., Schmid, L., Tzoras, E., Florian-Hempel, B., & Martínez-Freiría, F. (2026). First insights into the role of evolutionary history in shaping venom co...

Updated distribution of Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820; Araneae: Zoropsidae) in Germany and novel insights into its ecology based on a citizen science survey

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Updated distribution of Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820; Araneae: Zoropsidae) in Germany and novel insights into its ecology based on a citizen science survey

Abstract

In Germany, Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820) is an introduced, likely synanthropic spider species. Here, we report the results of a nationwide mapping appeal conducted by the citizen science platform NABU-naturgucker.de, used to assemble live distributional data for the species in Germany. With the help of media interest in this species, we gathered a valuable dataset and a large image gallery of the species. In just five weeks, we received more than 15,000 records, representing a 2.3-fold increase in occupied territory compared to previous knowledge. By analyzing the data in detail, we obtained novel insights into the ecology and eco-geography of Z. spinimana in Germany, including information on prey, coloration, potential predators, altitudinal distribution and temporal appearance, along with two cases of accidental human translocation.

Wirth, A. (2024). Updated distribution of Zoropsis spinimana (Dufour, 1820; Araneae: Zoropsidae) in Germany and novel insights into its ecology based on a citizen science survey. Frontiers in Arachnid Science, 3, 1383339. https://doi.org/10.3389/frchs.2024.1383339