Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis)

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  Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) Abstract The internet is currently one of the most important means of communication, which may include the circulation of misinformation. Snakes have always been a target of the sensationalist media, being pictured as scary and aggressive animals to be killed indiscriminately by humans. Such fear based on misinformation may compromise species conservation. Here, we address the spread of misinformation about Bothrops insularis and Queimada Grande Island in digital media, highlighting the negative impact on public perception and species conservation. The analysis of 230 online sources revealed that approximately 94% of them contained false information, many using sensationalist language, especially regarding the toxicity of the venom and the population density of the snake, as well as bringing contents that did not align with scientific d...

A comprehensive evaluation of the aculear sensory structures in scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones)

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A comprehensive evaluation of the aculear sensory structures in scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones)

Abstract
The scorpion telson is composed of a bulbous shaped base with two venom glands and an acu-leus with two venom channels that open to the exterior. The cuticular surface of the aculeus is covered with acu-lear peg sensilla and pore holes. These sensillar pegs are located on the aculeus surface of the telson and function as contact chemoreceptors. Data on aculear peg sensilla are presented from both parvorders, four families, 15 genera and 15 species of extant scorpions. Although all aculear peg sensilla have a similar structure in all species and sexes in terms of their general morphology, their location and frequency on the surface of the aculeus cuticle varies. The shape of these sensilla is similar in all species, and the distribution density on the cuticle surface differs from species to species. The single slit sensilla were observed at various intervals and numbers in the aculeus-bulb connection area of the telson. 

Erdek, Melek & Yağmur, Ersen. (2024). A comprehensive evaluation of the aculear sensory structures in scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones). 33. 355–374. 10.15298/arthsel.33.3.05.