New spider species named after curator | Danni Sherwood | Manchester Museum

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New spider species named after curator | Danni Sherwood | Manchester Museum Two newly described spider species have been named in honour of members of our Entomology team, recognising their support for spider research at the Museum. Colombiarachne dianae, a tarantula from the Chocó region of Colombia, is named after our Curator of Entomology, Diana Arzuza Buelvas. Titanidiops logunovi, a trapdoor spider from Galegu, Sudan, is named after Dmitri Logunov. The names were chosen by one of our favourite frequent visitors, the amazing spider researcher Danni Sherwood. As Danni put it: "It’s a small token of my appreciation for all the help you give me in Manchester!" It's a wonderful reminder that behind every scientific discovery is a community of people helping to make research possible. Congratulations to Diana and Dmitri on this very special honour! 

Functional Study of Opsin Genes in Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

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Functional Study of Opsin Genes in Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Abstract


Spiders are important predatory natural enemies in agricultural and forestry ecosystems, yet the role of vision in their predatory behavior remains unclear. In this study, we screened three opsin genes—corresponding to ultraviolet-sensitive and medium-to-long wavelength-sensitive opsins—from the transcriptome sequencing database of Pardosa astrigera. All three genes possess seven transmembrane topological structures and a lysine residue on the second transmembrane domain, which are typical characteristics of opsins. Using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), we analyzed the expression patterns of these opsin genes in different tissues, developmental stages, and under the induction of light at three wavelengths. The results showed that all three opsin genes were significantly expressed in the cephalothorax and expressed across developmental stages with no significant differences. Under light induction, their relative expression first increased and then decreased in both male and female adult spiders. Subsequently, RNA interference (RNAi) was used to individually knock down each opsin gene, confirming their involvement in color vision. These results suggest that the three opsin genes are involved in spider vision, laying the foundation for further elucidating the role of vision in spider predation, and offering a new perspective for reducing the unintended killing of natural enemies by insect traps.

Zhai, S., Ren, B., Zhang, X., Shen, F., Ma, M., Li, X., & Li, R. (2025). Functional Study of Opsin Genes in Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae). Insects, 16(6), 595. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060595