When Tarantula Venom Comes from a Misnamed Spider: The Importance of Taxonomic Accuracy in Theraphosid Toxinology

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  When Tarantula Venom Comes from a Misnamed Spider: The Importance of Taxonomic Accuracy in Theraphosid Toxinology I am very happy to share my most recent publication in Toxicon. This is a particularly meaningful publication for me because it brings together two areas that have become an important part of my work and personal interests: tarantulas and toxinology. At first glance, taxonomy and venom research may seem like two very different fields. In reality, they are closely connected. Before we can properly study the venom of a spider, we need to know which spider we are actually studying. Why the Name Matters A scientific name is much more than a label attached to an animal. It connects that animal to everything we report about it, including its biology, distribution, behavior, venom, toxins, and even its potential medical importance. When a tarantula is incorrectly identified, or when an outdated name continues to be used without considering changes in taxonomy, the problem ca...

The Distribution Pattern of Poecilotheria Spiders (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) along the Foothills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India with a Note on the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) on Large-Bodied Spiders

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The Distribution Pattern of Poecilotheria Spiders (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) along the Foothills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India with a Note on the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) on Large-Bodied Spiders

Abstract

This present study investigates the distribution pattern of Poecilotheria spiders along the foothills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, focusing on habitat preference, altitudinal variations, and the merit of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) to identifying species presence. Data collection involved exclusive field visits and questionnaire surveys with 749 respondents, revealing a significant gap in Poecilotheria distribution studies. The questionnaire survey revealed a widespread distribution of Poecilotheria spiders across the study area. The spiders were found to inhabit a diverse range of host trees and habitats, from low-lying areas to higher altitudes suggesting their adaptability to different habitats.  Statistical analysis demonstrated significant correlations between species sightings and demographic variables, such as age, gender, and occupation. The study underscores the importance of local people's knowledge in identifying the species distribution. Also, the  study highlights the urgent need for species conservation from various threats to the species and habitat.

ASHIK, M. MOHAMED, N. EZHILARASI, and L. ISAIARASU. 2025. “The Distribution Pattern of Poecilotheria Spiders (Mygalomorphae: Theraphosidae) Along the Foothills of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India With a Note on the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) on Large-Bodied Spiders”. UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 46 (8):141-51.

https://doi.org/10.56557/upjoz/2025/v46i84901.