Venom Variation as a Window into the Ecology and Evolution of Snakes

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  Venom Variation as a Window into the Ecology and Evolution of Snakes Abstract Snake venoms are complex biochemical systems that function primarily in prey subjugation and defense, yet their composition varies extensively across individuals, populations, species, and environments. This variation provides a powerful framework for investigating ecological and evolutionary processes. Here, we offer a forward-looking synthesis of snake venom diversity that proposes new research directions and highlights how venom variation can illuminate eco-evolutionary dynamics across biological scales. We review evidence for ten key contexts in which venom variation arises, including within-population differences, sexual dimorphism, geographic structuring, ontogenetic shifts, seasonal changes, interspecific divergence, hybridization, convergent evolution, prey specificity, and venom resistance. Together, these processes demonstrate that venom phenotypes are shaped by interacting selective pressures...

Venom gland transcriptomics of the Black Judaicus scorpion (Hottentotta judaicus) reveals its toxin arsenal and potential bioeconomic value

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Venom gland transcriptomics of the Black Judaicus scorpion (Hottentotta judaicus) reveals its toxin arsenal and potential bioeconomic value

Abstract

Scorpion venoms are likewise a medical burden as well as a source of novel bioresources. Despite their important dual role, the venoms of most scorpion species remain under- or unstudied. Among these is the venom of the Black Judaicus scorpion, Hottentotta judaicus (Simon, 1872), a common yet neglected species native to the Middle East. Here, we employ venom gland transcriptomics to investigate its toxin-encoding precursor profile to gain insight into its toxin repertoire. The venom was found to be composed primarily of various short scorpion toxins, long scorpion toxins from the 3 C-C as well as the 4 C-C type, and enzymatic components. Minor components include, defensins and putative antimicrobial peptides. Several identified toxins show similarity to known neurotoxins from lethal buthids or to toxins with translational value in biomedicine, agriculture, and industrial production, thus rendering H. judaicus both, a potential health concern but possibly also as source of novel bioresources. Our work provides an extended perspective on the venom profile of this species and represents a basis for future follow-up studies.
Lüddecke, T., Dresler, J., Hurka, S., Wang, Y., Pohler, T., Simone, Y., Krämer, J., Vilcinskas, A., & Herzig, V. (2025). Venom gland transcriptomics of the Black Judaicus scorpion (Hottentotta judaicus) reveals its toxin arsenal and potential bioeconomic value. Toxicon, 108609. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108609