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, ...

Three new species of tiny tarantulas of the genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from northern Colombia

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Three new species of tiny tarantulas of the genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from northern Colombia


Abstract

Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 is a theraphosid genus with very small species that resemble Trichopelma, although they lack the dot pattern on the abdomen. They are also distinguished from all other Theraphosidae by the presence of flattened, iridescent setae covering the abdomen, and sometimes, the legs too. Its current distribution includes the following countries: Argentina, Bahamas, Colombia, Cuba, Jamaica and Venezuela. Three new species of tiny tarantulas of the genus Thalerommata are described from northern Colombia: Thalerommata yukpa sp. nov. from Cesar Department, Thalerommata kogui sp. nov. and Thalerommata margarita sp. nov. from Magdalena Department. Colombia has now seven of the thirteen Thalerommata species.

Osorio, L. M., Benavides, L., García-Atencia, S. & Bertani, R. (2024). Three new species of tiny tarantulas of the genus Thalerommata Ausserer, 1875 (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from northern Colombia. Zootaxa 5537(1): 95-114. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5537.1.5