The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

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  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Cohort splitting is a condition-dependent plastic life-history adaptation to variable environments in the wolf spider, Pardosa agrestis

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By Denali National Park and Preserve - SpiderUploaded by AlbertHerring, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29599032

Cohort splitting is a condition-dependent plastic life-history adaptation to variable environments in the wolf spider, Pardosa agrestis

Developmental plasticity enables organisms to adjust life-history strategies to environmental variability. Cohort splitting—where single cohorts divide into rapid- and slow-developing individuals resulting in facultative bivoltinism—allows us to mitigate environmental unpredictability through plastic life-history decisions. We investigated this phenomenon by documenting developmental patterns under controlled photoperiod regimes in the uniquely cohort-splitting wolf spider Pardosa agrestis and a congeneric species with typical univoltine life cycle. We hypothesized that the basis of cohort splitting is rapid growth that realizes a full growth potential, but is inhibited or uninhibited in a plastic manner. Under experimental conditions, both species possessed the capacity for rapid development but differed in regulatory mechanisms. The cohort splitter species exhibited plasticity based on photoperiod and individual condition, while the non-splitter showed a more uniform response to environmental cues, independent of body state. Sibling status minimally influenced developmental outcomes, indicating low genetic determination. Our results suggest that cohort splitting evolved through differential regulation of an ancestral uninhibited growth pattern. Cohort splitting is a bet-hedging strategy that optimizes fitness in variable environments through plastic developmental inhibition. Conversely, the unconditional inhibition of rapid growth in non-splitters probably reflects adaptation to habitats where predation pressure on late-season generations favours univoltinism.

Ferenc Samu, Dóra Kettinger, Éva Szita, Balázs Kiss; Cohort splitting is a condition-dependent plastic life-history adaptation to variable environments in the wolf spider, Pardosa agrestis. Proc Biol Sci 1 January 2026; 293 (2062): 20252012. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.2012