Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain

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  Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain Abstract A taxonomic revision of the species of Nemesia Audouin, 1826, distributed in the vicinity of Córdoba City, southern Spain, is presented. Four new species are described: Nemesia morana sp. nov. (female), N. kodama sp. nov. (male and female), N. rosae sp. nov. (male and female), and N. tamajoni sp. nov. (male and female). These species are distinguished by distinct morphological characters, including the shape of the spermathecae, palpal bulbs, and spinnerets, as well as by burrow architecture. Fieldwork was conducted across two of the three major habitat types in the region—the humid, forested mountains of Sierra Morena and the croplands and riparian forests of the Guadalquivir Valley—while the third, the “campiña”, which is mainly composed of agricultural landscapes, remains poorly explored. Sampling methods included pitfall trapping and the direct e...

Advancements in Diagnostic Techniques for Scorpion Venom Identification: A Comprehensive Review

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Advancements in Diagnostic Techniques for Scorpion Venom Identification: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Scorpion envenomation's ignored public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries is alarming. Particularly dangerous for small children and the elderly, it can cause severe problems and even death. Recent studies have proposed the creation of rapid, easy, species-specific, and sensitive detection kits as an alternative to the methods currently used to identify scorpions. Unfortunately, there is currently no commercially available technology for detecting scorpion envenomation in clinical settings, especially in remote tropical health centres. This study delineates the most dangerous scorpion species globally and the advancements in identifying their stings in vitro or in envenomed plasma. Furthermore, we have highlighted the practical challenges associated with scorpion venom detection and the necessity for innovative, expedited, and more accessible detection kits in countries where scorpion envenomation poses a significant issue.
Puzari, U., Das, B., & Mukherjee, A. K. (2024). Advancements in Diagnostic Techniques for Scorpion Venom Identification: A Comprehensive Review. Toxicon, 108191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.108191