Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions

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  Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions Abstract Background:    Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, yet their pathophysiological effects of both venoms remain poorly characterized due to low human fatality rates. This study compared their venom compositions and acute cardiovascular and renal effects. Methods:   Anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were monitored for blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal clearance following intravenous administration of crude venom (0.5 mg/kg). Venom components were identified via LC-MS/MS, and hematological/biochemical parameters were assessed. Results:    H. laoticus venom induced a rapid, transient hypotension ( p < 0.05), followed by a mild, prolonged hypotensive phase (up to 120 min). Conversely, L. mucronatus venom elicited a biphasic response: ...

Trapdoor spiders of the family Nemesiidae Simon, 1889 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from Kosovo

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Trapdoor spiders of the family Nemesiidae Simon, 1889 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from Kosovo

Abstract
The Balkans is a recognized biodiversity hotspot. Yet, for many parts of this region, knowledge about the diversity of many taxa is limited. This is particularly true for the spiders of Kosovo, for which increased efforts to elucidate the actual diversity have been started only recently. Here, based on traditional morphological analyses and DNA barcoding data, we present the first records of Nemesiidae Simon, 1889 from Kosovo, including the descriptions of Brachythele kosovarica Geci & Sherwood sp. nov. and Nemesia dukagjinica Geci & Sherwood sp. nov.

I’d like to sincerely thank Danniella Sherwood for kindly sharing this manuscript with me through ResearchGate.

Geci, Donard & Ibrahimi, Halil & Bilalli, Astrit & Musliu, Milaim & Koblmüller, Stephan & Sherwood, Danniella. (2025). Trapdoor spiders of the family Nemesiidae Simon, 1889 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from Kosovo. Arachnology. 20. 281-286.