Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes

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  Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes Abstract Despite the vast biodiversity of Mexican vipers, venom of endemic species has been barely studied. Here we analyzed the venom composition of three endemic species of rattlesnakes: Crotalus aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. ravus . We used quantitative chromato-mass-spectrometry and compared venoms with C. molossus , a species commonly found in North America, in a comparative and phylogenetic framework. In total, we identified 165 proteins grouped in 19 main protein families, consistent with previous reports for viperid venoms. In C. aquilus and C. triseriatus , the most predominant protein-family type was Serine Proteases, and in C. triseriatus and C. molossus it was Snake Venom Metalloproteases. The Label-free quantification revealed a high proportion of Snake Venom Metalloproteases in C. aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. molossus , reaching 28–47% of the total venom. In contrast, in ...

Hiding in plain sight: Microhabitat selection by the trunk-dwelling spider Ypypuera crucifera (Araneae, Hersiliidae), with notes on its natural history

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Hiding in plain sight: Microhabitat selection by the trunk-dwelling spider Ypypuera crucifera (Araneae, Hersiliidae), with notes on its natural history

Abstract

Habitat selection provides biological advantages, including benefits for foraging, reproduction, and predator avoidance. Abiotic factors like vegetation and substrate characteristics play a critical role in this process. This study examined the microhabitat selection of the two-tailed trunk-dwelling spider Ypypuera crucifera in semideciduous dry tropical forests. Rough, circular tree trunks were preferred, likely aiding escape behaviors and reducing predation risk, while smooth or concave trunks were avoided. Spider abundance peaked at mid-height positions (100–160 cm), aligning with predator avoidance strategies. Contrary to expectations, lichen coverage did not influence occupancy, despite its potential role in camouflage for Y. crucifera. Observations revealed reproductive behaviors, including guarded, trunk-attached egg sacs. These findings enhance understanding of Y. crucifera's habitat preferences and natural history, highlighting the importance of tree trunk characteristics in shaping its ecology.

Vanessa Cardoso Pereira, Leonardo Sousa Carvalho "Hiding in plain sight: Microhabitat selection by the trunk-dwelling spider Ypypuera crucifera (Araneae, Hersiliidae), with notes on its natural history," Invertebrate Biology, 144(2), (12 September 2025) https://doi.org/10.71161/ivb.144.2.2025.00001