Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation

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  Transcriptomic Insights Into the Evolution of Snake Venom: Mechanisms, Diversity, and Adaptation Abstract Snake venoms are evolutionarily refined biochemical arsenals composed of diverse toxins with complex functional roles in predation, defense, and competition. Over the past 2 decades, transcriptomic approaches have transformed venom research by enabling high-resolution insights into gene expression dynamics, molecular diversity, and the evolutionary mechanisms driving venom variation across lineages. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of snake venom transcriptomics literature and propose a conceptual framework structured around three major axes: (1) gene family expansion through duplication and neofunctionalization; (2) regulatory complexity encompassing transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and epigenetic modulation; and (3) ecological selection pressures shaping venom profiles in response to diet, habitat, and interspecific interactions. We integrate findin...

Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southeastern Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae)

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Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southеastеrn Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) 

ABSTRACT

Two new species, Scorpio karakurti sp.n. and S. sirnakensis sp.n. are described and illustrated from the Southеastеrn region of Turkey. S. karakurti sp.n. is detected from Batman and Diyarbakır provinces and can be distinguished from all species of the genus Scorpio by its higher pectinal teeth numbers, especially in males (10–11 in females and 11–15 in males). S. sirnakensis sp.n is detected from Şırnak province and can be distinguished by elongated chela and telson shape and genital operculum shape of females. The new species are compared with the known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 in the Middle East.

Acknowledgment: I extend my heartfelt thanks to Özgün Sipahioğlu for kindly sharing this publication with me.

Yağmur E.A.1, Hussen F.Sh.2, Karakurt S.3, Kurt R.4, Sipahioğlu O.5, Kartal İ.6 2024. Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southеastеrn Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) // Arthropoda Selecta. Vol.33. No.4: 559–581.