Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes

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  Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes Abstract Despite the vast biodiversity of Mexican vipers, venom of endemic species has been barely studied. Here we analyzed the venom composition of three endemic species of rattlesnakes: Crotalus aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. ravus . We used quantitative chromato-mass-spectrometry and compared venoms with C. molossus , a species commonly found in North America, in a comparative and phylogenetic framework. In total, we identified 165 proteins grouped in 19 main protein families, consistent with previous reports for viperid venoms. In C. aquilus and C. triseriatus , the most predominant protein-family type was Serine Proteases, and in C. triseriatus and C. molossus it was Snake Venom Metalloproteases. The Label-free quantification revealed a high proportion of Snake Venom Metalloproteases in C. aquilus , C. triseriatus , and C. molossus , reaching 28–47% of the total venom. In contrast, in ...

Stuck in between: First case of transverse intersexuality in Trochosa cachetiensis Mcheidze, 1997 (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Georgia

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Stuck in between: First case of transverse intersexuality in Trochosa cachetiensis Mcheidze, 1997 (Araneae, Lycosidae) from Georgia

Abstract

The first illustrated description of transverse intersexuality in Trochosa cachetiensis Mcheidze, 1997, from Georgia, is provided. In this specimen, both male (palpal bulbs) and female (epigyne) structures are underdeveloped. Brief comparison of the intersex specimen with normally developed conspecifics is given.