What’s a Spider? Designation of the Neotype for the First Animal Species Ever Described, Araneus angulatus Clerck 1757 (Araneae: Araneidae)

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  What’s a Spider? Designation of the Neotype for the First Animal Species Ever Described, Araneus angulatus Clerck 1757 (Araneae: Araneidae) Abstract We designate a neotype for the Eurasian spider species Araneus angulatus Clerck, 1757, thereby fixing the objective application of the species name, the genus name Araneus Clerck 1757, the family name Araneidae Clerck 1757, and the superfamily name Araneoidea Clerck 1757. By etymology and arachnological tradition, it also unofficially fixes the application of the ordinal name Araneae Clerck 1757 and thus answers the uncontroversial question, “What’s a spider?” A. angulatus also happens to be historically the first animal species ever described because Clerck (1757) has priority over Linnaeus (1758). Neotype designation is justified for three reasons: the syntypes of A. angulatus are lost; “ A. angulatus ” contains significant COI sequence divergence, potentially representing intraspecific variation, misidentifications, or as many...

Beyond Snakes: Exploring Zootoxins in Invertebrates and Lower Vertebrates

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Beyond Snakes: Exploring Zootoxins in Invertebrates and Lower Vertebrates

Abstract

This review explores the diversity, biochemical mechanisms, and toxicological effects of venoms and toxins secreted by lower vertebrates and invertebrates, emphasizing their ecological roles and potential therapeutic applications. While snake venoms dominate toxicology research, ancient Ayurvedic texts have documented the medicinal uses of toxins from other animals in formulations like Agadas. This study examines the relevance of Jangam Visha (animate poison) in modern toxicology, highlighting envenomation cases in rural communities, where traditional household remedies often precede hospital visits. The review discusses neurotoxins like batrachotoxin, hemolytic toxins such as tetralysin, and insect-derived compounds like cantharidin and mastoparan. Additionally, species such as blister beetles (Mylabris spp.), scorpions (Hottentotta spp.), and wasps (Vespula spp.) are explored for their toxic components and therapeutic potential. The study also addresses ongoing challenges in toxin detection, neutralization, and antidote development. By bridging historical wisdom with contemporary scientific advancements, this review offers valuable insights for forensic, ecological, and biomedical research.

V, Likitha., Arpitha Rajesh, Aahuti Ameta, and Shristi Aich. 2025. “Beyond Snakes: Exploring Zootoxins in Invertebrates and Lower Vertebrates”. UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 46 (8):152-66. https://doi.org/10.56557/upjoz/2025/v46i84902.