Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) from a highly restricted range in Idaho

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  Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) from a highly restricted range in Idaho Abstract A new species of Hexura Simon, 1885 is described from a very restricted geographic range in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, 500 km east of the previously known distribution of the genus in the Coastal Ranges and western Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington. This work provides the first taxonomic information for this group in almost 50 years, including a phylogenomic framework for the genus within the mygalomorph superfamily Atypoidea , based on Ultraconserved elements ( UCEs ). Hexura vandal sp. nov . can be distinguished from the other two described species by a combination of morphological, molecular, and geographic characteristics. Lastly, we discuss the need for conservation actions to secure the survival of the species. Calatayud-Mascarell A, Briggs EJ, Hamilton CA (2026) Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomo...

Comparative Histological Characterization of the Venom Apparatus in Five Iranian Scorpion Species

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Comparative Histological Characterization of the Venom Apparatus in Five Iranian Scorpion Species

Abstract

Background: Scorpion envenomation represents a significant public health concern worldwide. The telson is located at the distal part of the metasoma, where venom is secreted from a pair of venom glands. The curved stinger is responsible for venom delivery.

Methods: This study conducted a histological examination of five scorpion species, including Hottentotta juliae, Hotten­totta zagrosensis, Odontobuthus kermanus, and Scorpio maurus, which were gathered from Fars Province, as well as Hemiscorpius lepturus, collected from Khuzestan Province. The telson histology was assessed using the hematoxylin-eosin method.

Results: The exocuticle, endocuticle, and secretory epithelium, which consists of secretory and supporting cells, were identified in the tissues of all species. Cuticle pores were distributed throughout the telson. Each venom gland possesses a central lumen, where secreted venom accumulates within a venom sac. The intercalated tendon is located beneath the basal membrane and connects the glandular epithelium to the cuticle. The sizes and shapes of the secretory epithelial cells vary depending on the species.

Conclusion: While histology elucidates the structural organization of scorpion venom glands, integrating histological findings with proteomic and histochemical approaches would provide a more comprehensive understanding of venom composition and interspecific variation.

Soltan-Alinejad, P., Kargar-Jahromi, H., Karimi, F., & Azizi, K. (2025). Comparative histological characterization of the venom apparatus in five Iranian scorpion species. Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases, 19 (2). https://doi.org/10.18502/jad.v19i2.20193