First insights into the role of evolutionary history in shaping venom composition of Vipera ammodytes

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  First insights into the role of evolutionary history in shaping venom composition of Vipera ammodytes Abstract Understanding intraspecific venom variation requires distinguishing the contributions of neutral population history from natural selection. This study aims to determine whether venom variation in the Vipera ammodytes species complex is structured across eight phylogenetic lineages. Despite a complex evolutionary history, venom composition did not differ among phylogenetic units within the analytical framework used, suggesting that shared ancestry alone does not explain venom variation. Whether local adaptation to environmental conditions explains the observed variation remains an open question for future studies. Lakušić, M., Piccoli, C., Anđelković, M., Andonov, K., Burić, I., Brito, J. C., Dyugmedzhiev, A., Merdan, S., Schmid, L., Tzoras, E., Florian-Hempel, B., & Martínez-Freiría, F. (2026). First insights into the role of evolutionary history in shaping venom co...

The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species

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The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species

Abstract

Harpactea jijelensis sp. nov. (♂♀) is described from Jijel, north-east Algeria. The new species is assigned to the corticalis species group and the auriga subgroup, based on the distinctive characteristics of the male. A detailed description, along with diagnostic characters, and illustrations of the genitalia for both sexes are provided. Additionally, information on the species’ abundance, and distribution across various habitats in the region is presented. New distribution records for Harpactea acuta Beladjal & Bosmans 1997 and Harpactea innupta Beladjal & Bosmans 1997 are presented.

Kahlessenane, S., Bouseksou, S., Kherbouche-Abrous, O., Moulaï, R., Bosmans, R. & Beladjal, L. (2025) The genus Harpactea Bristowe, 1939 (Araneae, Dysderidae) from the Jijel region (Algeria), with the description of a new species. Zootaxa, 5719 (3), 440–450. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.3.10