A new species of the genus Spinoctenus Hazzi, Polotow, Brescovit, González-Obando et Simó, 2018 (Araneae: Ctenidae) from Panama

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  A new species of the genus Spinoctenus Hazzi, Polotow, Brescovit, González-Obando et Simó, 2018 (Araneae: Ctenidae) from Panama A new species Spinoctenus leleji sp. n . is described from Panama based on a male specimen. This is the first record of the genus Spinoctenus from Panama and the second record of this genus outside South America. The new species is most similar to S. tequendama Hazzi, Polotow, Brecovit, González-Obando et Simó, 2018, but differs by the structure of the male palp and the shape of metatarsus IV. Photographs of the habitus and copulatory organs are provided. The type locality of the new species is mapped. Omelko, Мichail M. 2026. A new species of the genus Spinoctenus Hazzi, Polotow, Brescovit, González-Obando et Simó, 2018 (Araneae: Ctenidae) from Panama. Far Eastern Entomologist(554): 19-24.  https://biosoil.ru/fee/publication/2988

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