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...

Interception of the egg sac of the Spiny-backed Orbweaver Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the United Kingdom on produce from Costa Rica (Araneae: Araneidae)

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Interception of the egg sac of the Spiny-backed Orbweaver Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the United Kingdom on produce from Costa Rica (Araneae: Araneidae)

Abstract
An egg sac of the non-native spider Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Araneidae) found on the leaf of an imported shrub Heptapleurum arboricola Hayata (Araliaceae) from Costa Rica is described and illustrated following its interception in the United Kingdom.

Deady, Rob & Sherwood, Danniella. (2025). Interception of the egg sac of the Spiny-backed Orbweaver Gasteracantha cancriformis (Linnaeus, 1758) in the United Kingdom on produce from Costa Rica (Araneae: Araneidae). Natura Somogyiensis. 46. 21-24. 10.24394/NatSom.2025.46.21. https://doi.org/10.24394/NatSom.2025.46.21