Big Spider, Big Genome: Chromosome-level genome of a North American tarantula (Aphonopelma marxi) and comparative genomics across 300 million years of spider evolution

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  Image Credit: WikiCommons Big Spider, Big Genome: Chromosome-level genome of a North American tarantula (Aphonopelma marxi) and comparative genomics across 300 million years of spider evolution Abstract The comparison of chromosome-level genomes allows biologists to investigate new axes of organismal evolution. Spiders comprise a significant proportion of known arachnid diversity, with many complex morphologies and unique natural histories, yet comparative genomics in spiders has been limited due to the number of available genomes. We present a de novo chromosomal reference genome of a mature male tarantula, Aphonopelma marxi, and comparatively examine spider genome evolution across the Order Araneae. Using PacBio HiFi and Hi-C sequencing, the final 6.5 Gb assembly consists of 17 autosomes, 1 X chromosome, and 127 unplaced scaffolds, with an N50 of 370 Mb and Arachnida (odb10; 2934 genes) BUSCO of 96.7%. By comparing 20 additional spider genomes from 15 families, we find mygalomo...

Note on the introduced Asian mud-dauber wasp Sceliphron curvatum (F. Smith, 1870) and its prey in Belgium

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Note on the introduced Asian mud-dauber wasp Sceliphron curvatum (F. Smith, 1870) and its prey in Belgium

Abstract
This note documents the first observations of the prey of Sceliphron curvatum (F. Smith, 1870) (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae) in Belgium, recorded in the municipality of Jette (Brussels-Capital Region). The analysis of the paralyzed prey (n = 39) revealed the presence of nine spider species belonging to five families: Anyphaenidae, Araneidae, Philodromidae, Salticidae and Thomisidae. The family Araneidae dominates the trophic spectrum, represented mainly by juveniles of Araneus diadematus (Clerck, 1757). Two relatively rare species or species with a restricted regional distribution were identified: Macaroeris nidicolens (Walckenaer, 1802) (Salticidae) and Philodromus buxi (Simon, 1884) (Philodromidae). These data indicate opportunistic exploitation of spiders associated with upper (vegetation) layers and adaptation to anthropized habitats. The lack of marked trophic specialization in S. curvatum suggests a low risk of significant impact on native spider populations in Belgium. However, further quantitative studies are needed to assess potential competitive interactions with native arthropod predators. 

Henrard, Arnaud & Drumont, Hugo & Drumont, Alain. (2025). Note on the introduced Asian mud-dauber wasp Sceliphron curvatum (F. Smith, 1870) and its prey in Belgium. 40. Journal of the Belgian Arachnological Society Volume 40 (1) 2025