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 ...

Predation on a juvenile Terciopelo (Bothrops asper) by a tarantula (Stichoplastoris denticulatus) in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, Costa Rica

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Predation on a juvenile Terciopelo (Bothrops asper) by a tarantula (Stichoplastoris denticulatus) in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, Costa Rica

The Terciopelo (Bothrops asper) is a mostly nocturnal and terrestrial species that inhabits lowland and foothill rain-forests and altered habitats (e.g., agricultural areas, pastures, and human settlements) from northern Mexico to the Pacific lowlands of Colombia and Ecuador at elevations of 0–1,500 m  asl  (Leenders  2016;  Savage  2002).  Few  predators  are  known to target adults but raptors (e.g., Laughing Falcons, Herpetotheres  cacchinans;  Swallow-tailed  Kites,  Elanoides forficatus; and Crane Hawks, Geranospiza caerulescens) and snakes (e.g., Mussuranas, Clelia clelia, and possibly Central American  Indigo  Snakes,  Drymarchon  melanurus)  might  prey on them (Sasa et al. 2009).

Villegas, S., Charlyn Elizondo Montano, & Justin Rodríguez Castro. (2026). Predation on a juvenile Terciopelo (Bothrops asper) by a tarantula (Stichoplastoris denticulatus) in Tirimbina Biological Reserve, Costa Rica. Reptiles & Amphibians, 33(1), e23400. https://doi.org/10.17161/randa.v32i1.23400