The distribution, spatial clustering, and density of trapdoor spiders in two California coastal dune ecosystems

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  The distribution, spatial clustering, and density of trapdoor spiders in two California coastal dune ecosystems Abstract Coastal dune ecosystems support endemic trapdoor spiders, yet population data for these species are limited. We conducted the first coastal dune trapdoor spider population estimation surveys at Moss Landing State Beach (California) and for Aptostichus stephencolberti Bond 2008 at Sunset State Beach using randomly selected 1m 2 quadrats across ~26,000 m 2 per site. Burrow densities were similar between sites (Sunset: 0.287 burrows/m 2 ; Moss: 0.453 burrows/m 2 ), yielding estimated population sizes of ~35,206 and ~30,959 individuals, respectively. However, spatial analyses revealed contrasting patterns of burrow distribution. At Sunset State Beach, burrow presence was strongly associated with vegetation and occurred closer to plants, despite vegetation being randomly distributed. In contrast, no vegetation–burrow association was detected at Moss Landing, alth...

Clinical Case Reports on Black Krait (Bungarus niger/lividus) Neurotoxic Snakebites in Assam, Northeast India

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By Sp.herp -  CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22342896

Clinical Case Reports on Black Krait (Bungarus niger/lividus) Neurotoxic Snakebites in Assam, Northeast India

The greater black krait (Bungarus niger) and the lesser black krait (Bungarus lividus), venomous snakes of the Elapidae family, pose a significant health risk in Assam, Northeast India. However, their clinical effects remain underreported. A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 cases of envenomation attributed to B. niger/B. lividus. The patients were admitted to a rural health center and two adjacent hospitals in Assam. The victims exhibited severe neurotoxic symptoms, including ptosis, quadriplegia, respiratory muscle weakness, dysphonia, dysphagia, myalgia, and a gradual generalized neuromuscular weakening culminating in respiratory paralysis. The subjects were administered standard commercial polyvalent antivenom (PAV) targeting the “big four” snakes of India along with calcium gluconate (20 mg/kg). Standard antivenom was ineffective in reversing the established neuromuscular blockade; however, early administration of PAV before venom-induced damage to the presynaptic granules was linked to accelerated recovery in certain patients. Supportive care, including elective endotracheal intubation and assisted ventilation, was critical for recovery.

Giri S, Kakati H, Taye SJ, et al. Clinical Case Reports on Black Krait (Bungarus niger/lividus) Neurotoxic Snakebites in Assam, Northeast India. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. e tpmd250472 Published online December 18, 2025. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.25-0472