Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the adaptation to semi-aquatic and aquatic life in spiders

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  Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the adaptation to semi-aquatic and aquatic life in spiders Abstract Spiders are largely terrestrial, but some lineages have independently adapted to marine and freshwater habitats. Although physiological and behavioral traits supporting these evolutionary transitions have been characterized, the genomic basis of adaptation to aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats in spiders remains unclear. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly for the aquatic spider Argyroneta aquatica. Comparative analysis of 22 spider species supports two independent transitions in semi-aquatic (∼56 Mya) and aquatic (∼44 Mya) lineages. The aquatic spider show distinct respiratory morphology compared with terrestrial spiders, including anterior spiracles and denser tracheoles. Molecular evolution analyses identified lineage-specific shifts in selective constraint or evidence of positive selection linked to trachea development (e.g., Wnt-1, Catenin beta, TMEM23...

New considerations on the taxonomic status of the family Palaeotrilineatidae Lourenço, 2012 and description of a new genus and new species (Scorpiones: Buthoidea)

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New considerations on the taxonomic status of the family Palaeotrilineatidae Lourenço, 2012 and description of a new genus and new species (Scorpiones: Buthoidea)

A new genus and a new species are described for the enigmatic family Palaeotrilineatidae Lourenço, 2012. The descriptions of these new taxonomic elements bring further evidence to confirm the validity of this family. The present study equally contributes to better clarify the taxonomic position of the family Palaeotrilineatidae and further suggests a stronger association to the superfamily Buthoidea.

Wilson R. Lourenço, Jürgen Velten. New considerations on the taxonomic status of the family Palaeotrilineatidae Lourenço, 2012 and description of a new genus and new species (Scorpiones: Buthoidea).. Faunitaxys, 2025, 13 (25), pp.1-6. 10.57800/faunitaxys-13(25). hal-05082597 https://hal.science/hal-05082597v1