A new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Euagrus Ausserer (Araneae: Euagridae) from central Mexico and new records of E. gus Coyle from Tlaxcala

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  A new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Euagrus Ausserer (Araneae: Euagridae) from central Mexico and new records of E. gus Coyle from Tlaxcala Abstract  A new species of the spider genus Euagrus Ausserer, 1875 from temperate pine-oak forests in the states of Tlaxcala and Hidalgo, Mexico is described: E. pulque sp. nov. The description of the new species is based on male and female adult specimens. Additionally, Euagrus gus Coyle, 1988 is recorded for the very first time in the state of Tlaxcala. These species have sympatric distributions in La Malinche National Park, Tlaxcala. With this description, the diversity of the genus increases to 23 species, with Mexico harboring the highest diversity with 17 described species.  Valdez-Mondragón, A., Salinas-Velasco, H. V. & Bueno-Villegas, J. (2026). A new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Euagrus Ausserer (Araneae: Euagridae) from central Mexico and new records of E. gus Coyle from Tlaxcala. Zootaxa 5810 (...

From the sting to the laboratory: A review of the venom peptides of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

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From the sting to the laboratory: A review of the venom peptides of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Abstract

Social wasps make up a significant part to the diversity of the Hymenoptera order, one of the most varied insect groups. Beyond their ecological importance, these insects use their venom for defense, protecting their colonies. The venom of social wasps are rich in biologically active substances, including biogenic amines, peptides, proteins, enzymes, allergens, and volatile compounds. These substances can trigger various immune responses, such as allergic reactions and inflammation, and certain peptides demonstrate antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anticoagulant, and anticancer properties. However, the limited availability of venom and the lack of studies of function for its bioactive compounds remain challenges to its effective utilization. This review compiles 124 peptides isolated from social wasps, highlighting their relevance in biotechnology and medicine, while also discussing their limitations and potential applications. These peptides were isolated from 39 species of social wasps worldwide, underscoring the potential of these insects' venom as a promising source for developing new pharmaceutical products and as a catalyst for drug discovery. Additionally, this work emphasizes a significant gap in research on social wasps collected in the Brazilian Amazon.
Brito, S., Alves, M. N. R., & Somavilla, A. (2025). From the sting to the laboratory: A review of the venom peptides of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Toxicon, 108566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108566