Advancing the systematics of Araneae: ultraconserved elements phylogenomics demonstrates the non-monophyly of Miturgidae Simon, 1886 and supports the Familial Rank of Systariidae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001

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  Advancing the systematics of Araneae: ultraconserved elements phylogenomics demonstrates the non-monophyly of Miturgidae Simon, 1886 and supports the Familial Rank of Systariidae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 Abstract The systematic status of the family Miturgidae Simon, 1886 and related subfamilies has long been problematic, primarily due to challenges in interpreting morphological characters and limited molecular sampling. In this study, we reconstruct the phylogeny of Miturgidae using ultraconserved elements and estimate its divergence time. Our results suggest that Systariinae does not belong to Miturgidae, but rather is sister to all other families of the Dionycha B clade. Consequently, we elevate it to family rank as Systariidae Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001 and discuss its morphological synapomorphies. Furthermore, our analyses place Miturgidae as the sister clade to Viridasiidae + Selenopidae under multiple phylogenetic methods. Divergence time estimates indicate an ancient origin of...

Impact of Climate Change on the Distribution of Tityus Scorpions (Buthidae) in the Amazon: Implications for Conservation Units and Indigenous Territories

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Impact of Climate Change on the Distribution of Tityus Scorpions (Buthidae) in the Amazon: Implications for Conservation Units and Indigenous Territories

Abstract

Climate change is altering the distribution of organisms, affecting ecosystem goods and services. These impacts can pose new challenges for public health due to shifts in the distribution of venomous animals, influencing the dynamics of envenomation incidents. The consequences of climate change are expected to be more severe in tropical regions, where the most vulnerable communities are located. In this context, the increase of scorpionism in recent decades across the vast Amazonian region of Brazil calls for an assessment of future risks. In this study, we analyze the effects of climate change by the year 2070 under different future scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) on the distribution of the three most medically important scorpion species in northern Brazil: Tityus obscurus, T. metuendus, and T. silvestris. Additionally, we quantify the impact of these changes on conservation units and Indigenous territories. Our results indicate that the three species will respond differently to climate change. Tityus obscurus is projected to undergo a significant range contraction, T. silvestris will experience minimal changes, and T. metuendus will likely expand significantly into new areas. As a consequence of these shifts, T. obscurus may lose a large portion of its range within conservation units, potentially compromising the biotechnological potential of its venom. On the other hand, T. metuendus is expected to expand significantly into Indigenous territories, bringing new challenges to public health. Thus, climate change may have direct impacts on the health of the most vulnerable populations and on the conservation of species in northern Brazil, highlighting the need for strategic measures to mitigate these effects.
Moura, T. D. A., Chaves-Silveira, J., Da Fonseca Teixeira, I. B., Da Silva, F. F., Farias Duarte, M. C. L., Oliveira, D., Dornellas, A. P., & Martinez, P. A. (2025). Impact of Climate Change on the Distribution of Tityus Scorpions (Buthidae) in the Amazon: Implications for Conservation Units and Indigenous Territories. Toxicon, 108532.