Morphological and Molecular Data Reveal Two New Cryptic Spider Species of the Pholcus yichengicus Species Group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from Central China

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  Morphological and Molecular Data Reveal Two New Cryptic Spider Species of the Pholcus yichengicus Species Group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from Central China  Abstract Two new cryptic species from central China, belonging to the Pholcus yichengicus species group, were identified using an integrative approach combining morphological and three molecular species delimitation methods, and incorporating data from five related previously described species. These two new species are named Pholcus chengkou sp. nov. and P. yanan sp. nov. DNA barcodes were generated for the two new species to calculate p-distances and K2P distances, thus confirming their identities alongside the five previously described species. Additionally, revised diagnoses for the five previously described species and a distribution map encompassing all the species discussed are provided. Yan, Mei-Chen, and Zhi-Yuan Yao. 2026. "Morphological and Molecular Data Reveal Two New Cryptic Spider Species of the Pholcus y...

Evaluation of the insecticidal activity of the spider-venom peptides Dc1a and Ta1a against economically important lepidopteran pests

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Evaluation of the insecticidal activity of the spider-venom peptides Dc1a and Ta1a against economically important lepidopteran pests

Abstract

Lepidopterans are the most economically significant crop pests. They are mainly controlled with chemical insecticides that often suffer from insect resistance and adverse effects on the environment and human health. Insect-specific spider-venom peptides are considered safer, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides, and two insecticidal spider-venom derived peptides have already been commercialised by Vestaron Corporation, while more candidates are being progressed in global discovery pipelines. This study focusses on two insecticidal spider-venom peptides—Dc1a and Ta1a— and assesses their suitability in targeting five species of lepidopteran pests by injection and oral application, using Vestaron’s commercial ω/κ-Hv1a as a reference. In addition, the potential of bacterial Bt Cry toxins in providing synergistic insecticidal activities with these spider-venom peptides is evaluated. We found that when applied by injection, all peptides caused paralysis and mortality against all tested lepidopteran species within a narrow dose range. In contrast, the differences in insecticidal activity were more pronounced when orally applied. Helicoverpa consistently was the genus most susceptible to the spider-venom peptides, independent of the route of application, which we presume being related to its particular food preferences. Furthermore, we found synergistic activities for co-application of each of the spider-venom peptides with sublethal amounts of Bt Cry toxins in H. armigera. Overall, our results indicate that Dc1a and Ta1a are suitable bioinsecticide candidates for targeting certain lepidopteran pests, with co-application of Bt Cry toxins considered a viable strategy for increasing their efficacy as foliar sprays.
Herzig, V., Wang, Y., Guo, S., & King, G. F. (2025). Evaluation of the insecticidal activity of the spider-venom peptides Dc1a and Ta1a against economically important lepidopteran pests. Toxicon, 108658. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108658