Qualitative and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Venoms from Mexican Rattlesnakes

Posted by
  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 ...

Androctonus Nazarii, a New Species of Scorpions From Khuzestan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Posted by

 


Androctonus Nazarii, a New Species of Scorpions From Khuzestan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

Introduction: 

Recent research has clarified the historically complex taxonomy of the medically significant scorpion genus Androctonus in Iran, chiefly by resolving the A. crassicauda Olivier, 1807 species complex and describing numerous new species. However, the taxonomic status of certain populations in Khuzestan Province (south-western Iran) has remained unsettled.

Materials & Methods: 

The new scorpion species, Androctonus nazarii sp. nov., was collected from Baghmalek in the Zagros Mountains of Khuzestan Province, Iran. The species description is based on two male specimens, which were characterized by a set of distinct morphological features.

Results: 

The species exhibits distinctive diagnostic characteristics, including a brownish-yellow coloration, a light brown carapace devoid of ocular black patches and featuring fine granulation, uniformly yellow legs, and a specific yellowish-brown, finely granulated chela manus. A detailed comparison with its closest relatives (A. crassicauda, A. zagrosensis, A. sumericus, and A. barahoeii) confirms its distinctiveness. 

Conclusion: 

Its discovery fills an important taxonomic gap in south-western Iran and carries significant implications for public health and conservation.


Salabi, F., Zangi, B., Forouzan, A., Jahan-Mahin, M. H., Kazemi, S. M. (2025). 'Androctonus Nazarii, a New Species of Scorpions From Khuzestan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)', Archives of Razi Institute, 80(6), pp. 1567-1580. doi: 10.32598/ARI.80.6.3928