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: ...

Revisiting the genus Priocnemella (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): A Long-Overdue Taxonomic Update

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Revisiting the genus Priocnemella (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): A Long-Overdue Taxonomic Update

Abstract

Pompilidae are a group of wasps popularly known as spider hunters due to their behavior of capturing spiders for the development of their larvae. Many of the Neotropical genera lack extensive studies and taxonomic keys, for instance Priocnemella Banks. This genus has recently undergone changes in taxonomic composition following a revision of Eragenia Banks, a morphologically and phylogenetically related genus. Eragenia has received some species transferred from Priocnemella, while Phanochilus Banks was synonymized with Priocnemella. Despite the proposed changes, the group has never been revised taxonomically. Species identification is hampered by the lack of updated keys and illustrations. This study aims to review the genus Priocnemella, examining external morphology of both sexes and male genitalia morphology. Priocnemella aurata (Fox, 1897) has its status revalidated; P. hexagona omissa Banks, 1946 and P. eurytheme (Banks, 1944) are synonymized with P. hexagona (Fox, 1897) new syn.; and P. dimidiaticornis (Spinola, 1851) is discussed, with its male described and illustrated for the first time. Ten species of Priocnemella are recognized: P. fairchildi (Banks, 1925), P. fuscomarginata (Fox, 1897), P. hexagona (Banks, 1925), P. gloriosa (Smith, 1873), P. aurata (Fox, 1897) status rev., P. aurodecorata (Cameron, 1912), P. nobilitata (Smith, 1866), P. ornata (Banks, 1946); P. insignis (Banks, 1946), and P. dimidiaticornis (Spinola, 1851). Our results underscore the critical need for further taxonomic studies to enhance our understanding of biodiversity.

FERREIRA, A. V., PITTS, J. P., & WAICHERT, C. (2025). Revisiting the genus Priocnemella (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): A Long-Overdue Taxonomic Update. Zoologischer Anzeiger. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2025.08.004