The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

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  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Palpal teratology in adult male spiders (Arachnida: Araneae): new cases and synopsis of the historical literature

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Palpal teratology in adult male spiders (Arachnida: Araneae): new cases and synopsis of the historical literature

Abstract 
Palpal teratology is newly reported and illustrated in males of three species of spiders: Hibana incursa (Chamberlin, 1919) (Anyphaenidae) from Mexico, Chococtenus lasdamas Dupérré, 2015 (Ctenidae) from Ecuador (also being newly recorded from the province of Pichincha and the highest altitude record for the species), and Xerolycosa nemoralis (Westring, 1861) (Lycosidae) from Russia. The first detailed photographs and descriptions of the anomalous palps of males of Epicratinus maozinha Gonçalves et Brescovit, 2024 (Zodariidae) from Brazil and Carrhotus assam Caleb, 2020 (Salticidae) from India are presented. Finally, a synopsis of the other literature on palpal teratology in adult male spiders is given.

Many thanks, as always, to Danni Sherwood for forwarding this work via ResearchGate.

Sherwood, Danniella & Gonçalves, Ricardo & Peñaherrera-R, Pedro & Sudhin, Puthoor & Azarkina, Galina & Caleb, John. (2025). Palpal teratology in adult male spiders (Arachnida: Araneae): new cases and synopsis of the historical literature. Invertzool. 22. 505-518. 10.15298/invertzool.22.3.10.