BEYOND SPECIES-LEVEL DIFFERENCES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF INTRASPECIFIC VENOM PLASTICITY IN SPIDERS

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  BEYOND SPECIES-LEVEL DIFFERENCES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF INTRASPECIFIC VENOM PLASTICITY IN SPIDERS Abstract Spider venoms represent a diverse array of biological cocktails, crucial for predator-prey dynamics and ecological interactions. While differences in venom composition between species (interspecific variation) are well-characterized, the extent and drivers of intraspecific venom plasticity remain a critical, underexplored area. This comprehensive review synthesizes current research on venom variation within species, emphasizing the multifaceted factors that govern this dynamic phenotype. Venom composition, yield, and bioactivity are significantly influenced by both endogenous and exogenous elements. Endogenous factors, mainly sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic stage, often induce profound changes in potency, reflecting sex-specific ecological pressures, predation risk profiles, and shifting reproductive investments. Similarly, exogenous pressures, including seasonal and g...

Snakebites by Bothrops taeniatus: characteristics of snakebites involving a rare venomous snake in Brazil

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By TimVickers - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5401480


Snakebites by Bothrops taeniatus: characteristics of snakebites involving a rare venomous snake in Brazil

ABSTRACT


Snakebites from the genus Bothrops account for up to 90% of venomous snakebites in Brazil. Among these species, Bothrops taeniatus is considered rare in Brazil, with only one reported case in the literature. Its venom has a strong hemorrhagic effect but lacks procoagulant activity, which can lead to significant variations in the neutralizing efficacy of anti-Bothrops serum. We describe the first case of severe envenomation by B. taeniatus with rapid recovery following the administration of anti-Bothrops serum in Brazil, and discuss the characteristics of B. taeniatus envenomation based on a literature review.

Fujii PCYS, Soares BS, Dias ES, Borges HL, Siqueira DED, Ceschim RC. Snakebites by Bothrops taeniatus: characteristics of snakebites involving a rare venomous snake in Brazil. einstein (Sao Paulo). 2025;23:eRC1430. https://doi.org/10.31744/einstein_journal/2025RC1430