Venom composition of the scorpion Chactas exsul (Scorpiones: Chactidae) from the Premontane tropical rainforest of Costa Rica

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  Venom composition of the scorpion Chactas exsul (Scorpiones: Chactidae) from the Premontane tropical rainforest of Costa Rica Abstract Chactas exsul (Werner, 1939) is a specialized, saproxylic scorpion belonging to the diverse family Chactidae, inhabiting the humid tropical forests of Costa Rica and Panama. Characterized by robust pedipalps and a relatively small telson, C. exsul primarily relies on mechanical immobilization for prey capture, though it may utilize venom during challenging encounters. Despite its evolutionary importance, the venom of most of its members remains largely uncharacterized. In this study, we provide a comprehensive proteomic and biochemical analysis of the venom of C. exsul from the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. Our results reveal a venom peptidome dominated by putative scorpine-like antimicrobial peptides, calcins, and orphan components such as La1-like peptides. Sodium channel-modulating toxins (NaTxs) and common non-buthid potassium toxins (α...

Revision of the Ecuadorian Microstigmatidae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae), with the description of six new species

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Revision of the Ecuadorian Microstigmatidae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae), with the description of six new species

Abstract

The small mygalomorph family Microstigmatidae Roewer, 1942 from Ecuador is reviewed, and images of the blind cave species, Spelocteniza ashmolei Gertsch, 1982 are presented. Six new species are described, and one new genus is erected: Pseudonemesia scutata sp. nov. (♂), Spelocteniza pampenita sp. nov. (♂♀), Spelocteniza zuninoi sp. nov. (♂), and Pastaza gen. nov., Pastaza aureliae gen. et sp. nov. (♀), Pastaza roberti gen. et sp. nov. (♂♀) and Pastaza vegai gen. et sp. nov. (♂). SEM images of the cuticle and tarsal organ of all genera are provided, and finally, the presently recognised diagnostic characteristics of the family are discussed.

Dupérré, N., & Tapia, E. (2025). Revision of the Ecuadorian Microstigmatidae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae), with the description of six new species. European Journal of Taxonomy, 1007(1), 87–132. https://doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2999