Venomics of the six-eyed sand spider, Sicarius rugosus (Araneae: Sicariidae), from the neotropical dry forest of Costa Rica

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  Venomics of the six-eyed sand spider, Sicarius rugosus (Araneae: Sicariidae), from the neotropical dry forest of Costa Rica Abstract Background Sicarius rugosus , the only member of the genus that inhabits Central America, is phylogenetically related to South American  Sicarius  spiders. These originated from a common ancestor with sister African species. Like  Loxosceles ,  Sicarius  exhibits venom phospholipase D activity due to a group of toxins known collectively as SicTox. Methods A gel-assisted, bottom-up, proteomic analysis was performed to characterize the venom composition of  S. rugosus . Hyaluronidase activity was determined using zymography. Results We identified several SicTox sequences, all classified as β-clade paralogs and sharing unique peptides with proteins from  S. patagonicus ,  S. peruensis,  and other species. Enzymes such as metalloproteinases, including putative astacins, carboxypeptidases, and angiotensin-conv...

THE TRADE OF LIVE TARANTULAS AND SCORPIONS IN A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM IN THE PHILIPPINES

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THE TRADE OF LIVE TARANTULAS AND SCORPIONS IN A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract 
Tarantulas and scorpions are diverse groups of arachnids. The international trade of live arachnids as pets is widespread, with undescribed or newly described species being particularly sought-after by enthusiasts due to their novelty and perceived rarity. Previous studies on wildlife trade in the Philippines have focused on vertebrates (e.g. reptiles, birds, mammals). This study was conducted to provide baseline data on trade dynamics of arachnids. We surveyed five Facebook groups specializing in the trade of live arachnids in 2020 and 2022 which documented more than 16,000 individuals representing 135 and 25 species of tarantulas and scorpions, respectively. Price per individual tarantula ranged from PHP 20 (USD 0.38) for a commonly traded species to PHP2 0,000 (USD382) for an undescribed species. Legality in sourcing and trade is a concern. Non-native arachnids are smuggled regularly by post into the country, while native species are poached and illegally shipped domestically and internationally to supply the pet trade. The Philippine wildlife authorities and Facebook are urged to collaboratively address the ongoing illegal live arachnid trade.

Raymundo, J.J.G., Chng, S.C.L. & Sy, E.Y. 2024. The trade of live tarantulasand scorpions in a social media platform in the Philippines. Journal of Nature Studies. 23(2), 1-21.
(PDF) THE TRADE OF LIVE TARANTULAS AND SCORPIONS IN A SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM IN THE PHILIPPINES. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387555836_THE_TRADE_OF_LIVE_TARANTULAS_AND_SCORPIONS_IN_A_SOCIAL_MEDIA_PLATFORM_IN_THE_PHILIPPINES [accessed Jan 03 2025].