Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from southern Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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  Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from southern Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Abstract A new scorpion species, Cicileus derradji sp. nov., is described from Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province, southern Algeria. The description is based on an adult male holotype, an adult female paratype and a juvenile specimen, and is supported by detailed morphological analyses, including colouration, morphometrics, carination patterns and trichobothrial arrangement. This discovery extends the known distribution of the genus Cicileus approximately 500 km southwestward within Algeria. With the addition of this species, the number of recognised species in the genus increases to six. The new species is compared with all previously known species of Cicileus , and detailed colour photographs, including images taken under ultraviolet illumination, are provided. Derradj, L., Aydın Yağmur, E., Benali, N., & Bikada, M. (2026). Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from south...

The bioprospecting potential of insect venoms as antibiotics: a mini review

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The bioprospecting potential of insect venoms as antibiotics: a mini review

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for new antibiotic candidates from unconventional biological sources. Insect venoms, although underexplored compared to other venomous taxa, harbor a chemically diverse array of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with significant therapeutic promises. This mini review synthesizes evidence from 15 original studies published over the past 15 years that examined the antimicrobial potential of insect venom components. Most investigations have focused on Hymenoptera—wasps, bees, and ants—where peptides such as mastoparans, polydim-I, macropin, melectin, and panurgines that exhibit broad-spectrum activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria while maintaining low toxicity toward mammalian cells. Collectively, these findings highlight insect venoms as a promising resource for antibiotic discovery. Nevertheless, critical challenges remain regarding peptide stability, delivery, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation. Addressing these gaps through integrative approaches combining molecular, computational, and translational research will be key to advancing insect venom peptides as next-generation anti-infective agents.

Riva, H. G., & R., A. (2025). The bioprospecting potential of insect venoms as antibiotics: A mini review. Frontiers in Microbiology, 16, 1729786. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1729786