A new species of ant-eating spider (Araneae: Zodariidae) from the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan, with colour variation possibly associated with substrate

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  A new species of ant-eating spider (Araneae: Zodariidae) from the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan, with colour variation possibly associated with substrate ABSTRACT A new species of ant-eating spider,  Zodariellum gromovi   sp. n . (male, female; Zodariidae), is diagnosed, illustrated and described from the central part of the Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan. The new species, collected from three localities, exhibits considerable colour variation that appears to be correlated with the type of substrate it inhabits. The potential for these colour morphs to represent independent lineages is briefly discussed, and the distribution of  Zodariellum  species in Uzbekistan is mapped. Fomichev, A. A., & Zamani, A. (2026). A new species of ant-eating spider (Araneae: Zodariidae) from the Kyzylkum Desert of Uzbekistan, with colour variation possibly associated with substrate.  Journal of Natural History ,  60 (21–24), 1181–1191. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933....

Molecular Mechanisms of Venom Diversity

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Molecular Mechanisms of Venom Diversity

Abstract

Animal venoms are valuable resources for drug discovery. They offer a wide variety of bioactive molecules with significant biotechnological potential. Venom composition shows extensive diversity not only between and within species, but also across the lifetime of an individual. This natural variation further enhances the biotechnological potential of venoms, supporting the development and optimization of venom-derived drugs. Despite numerous studies highlighting the variability of venom, many lack a coherent framework to explain the underlying causes of this diversity. In this review, we explore the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms driving variations in venom composition and the evolution of venom systems, including gene regulation, point mutations, gene duplication events, modulation by miRNAs, alternative splicing and post-translational modifications as driving forces of venom component diversity. We also discuss the critical role of omics technologies and comparative studies in advancing our understanding of the diversity of venom and their contribution to the identification, development, and refinement of venom-based product candidates. The aspects reviewed here are relevant for future omics study designs to advance venom research and biodiscovery.

Ishihara, M. A., Lopes, A. R., & Yutaka, M. (2025). Molecular Mechanisms of Venom Diversity. Toxins, 17(12), 581. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17120581