Efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) as an antiparasitic treatment for scorpions (Androctonus bicolor) and its impact on venom production

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  By Guy Haimovitch - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=630184 Efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) as an antiparasitic treatment for scorpions (Androctonus bicolor) and its impact on venom production Abstract Mite infestations are a recurrent welfare issue that significantly affect the health, venom production, and survival of scorpions, particularly under human care. Chemical acaricides such as permethrins and fipronil, widely used in veterinary medicine for mite and tick control, are contraindicated in scorpions. Since mites and scorpions both belong to the class Arachnida, even minimal exposure can result in severe toxicity or death. Neem oil ( Azadirachta indica ) has been widely recognized for its acaricidal, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Its main compound, azadirachtin, interferes with mite development and reproduction, leading to reduced infestations and egg viability. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 1...

Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae)

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Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae)

Abstract

Spiders are organisms characterized by their webs. The method of silk spinning generally determines the shape of the web, which is species-specific. The shape of the web has evolved over time to be the most advantageous for the species in its natural environment. The web’s design reflects evolutionary inheritance specific to the species. Webs are designed with high elasticity and low recoil in order to capture prey effectively. In this study, the web structure and the morphology of the spinning apparatus of Maimuna vestita were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Detailed images of the adhesive droplets on the silk of M. vestita were obtained. It was found that the distribution of adhesive droplets and silk fibrils varies in different parts of the web. Spider silk is a unique material known for its durability and flexibility, with different properties that vary between species. In M. vestita, the spatial arrangement of adhesive droplets in the web threads is influenced by both species-specific characteristics and ecological factors and offers potential applications in various scientific fields.

Yigit, Nazife & Öcal, İlkay & Akdeniz, Kader. (2025). Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae). Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology. 13. 3525-3528. 10.24925/turjaf.v13is2.3525-3528.8107.