Novel Biochemical Findings from Bothrops marajoensis Venom

Posted by
  Novel Biochemical Findings from Bothrops marajoensis Venom Abstract Bothrops marajoensis is a Brazilian pit viper whose venom remains poorly characterized compared with those of other medically important Bothrops species. In the present study, we performed a comparative biochemical characterization of B. marajoensis venom with six additional Bothrops venoms ( B. alternatus , B. atrox , B. jararaca , B. jararacussu , B. moojeni , and B. neuwiedi ). Venoms were analyzed by reversed-phase chromatography, electrophoresis, immunorecognition by commercial bothropic antivenom, phosphodiesterase activity, and their effects on the viability of differentiated C2C12 myotubes. Chromatographic and electrophoretic analyses revealed a largely conserved overall venom composition among species, with qualitative differences, although quantitative differences in protein relative abundance were evident. Bothropic antivenom recognized all venoms, indicating broad antigenic cross-reactivity despit...

Preliminary survey of midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from forest ecosystems in southern China with the description of three new species

Posted by

 


Preliminary survey of midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from forest ecosystems in southern China with the description of three new species

Abstract

This study reports six leptonetid species from three genera collected in karst-associated forest ecosystems of southern China. Three new midget cave spider species are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Pararana jiufushanensis Yao & K. K. Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀; Fujian Province), P. songyuani Yao & K. K. Liu, sp. nov. (♂; Guangdong Province), and Leptonetela zhaoruii Yao & K. K. Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀; Fujian Province). Notably, the female of P. gaofani Lin & Li, 2022 is described for the first time, while the holotype of P. mingxuani Yao & Liu, 2024 is illustrated with detailed images of the male palpal characters. Additionally, Rhyssoleptoneta lishan Tong, 2024 is newly recorded in Jiangsu Province, expanding its known geographic range. Detailed distribution records are provided for all species, emphasizing southeastern China’s significance as a hotspot for leptonetid diversity and adaptive radiation. These findings refine taxonomic frameworks for karst-associated spiders and enhance understanding of their biogeographic patterns in East Asian karst systems.

Wang Z-J, Liu B-L, Yao Y-B, Shi Y-Y, Liu K-K (2025) Preliminary survey of midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from forest ecosystems in southern China with the description of three new species. ZooKeys 1247: 187-205. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.154546