A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species

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  A comparison of adhesive performance among six cursorial spider species Abstract The ability to adhere to surfaces is particularly relevant for cursorial predatory arthropods like hunting spiders, which often traverse relatively complex environments characterized by large variation in substrate properties. Here, we evaluated the adhesive performance of six hunting spider species that are common in eastern temperate North America and lack specialized tarsi for climbing smooth or inclined surfaces [Lycosidae: Pardosa lapidicina Emerton, 1885 and Rabidosa rabida (Walckenaer, 1837); Oxyopidae: Oxyopes salticus Hentz, 1845; Pisauridae: Pisaurina mira (Walckenaer, 1837); Dolomedidae: Dolomedes triton (Walckenaer, 1837), and Dolomedes scriptus Hentz, 1845]. We tested adhesion performance as shear load resistance (g) on a glass plate, and as the angle of failure (°) when the plate was gradually inclined relative to horizontal. Average angle of failure and shear resistance differed among ...

Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

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Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

Abstract

Morocco has a rich and diverse fauna of scorpions. However, certain regions such as Boulaouane remain underdocumented despite their importance for public health. Against this backdrop, our research aims to describe the local fauna of scorpions and evaluate the potential risks of envenomation. Systematic surveys were conducted in four distinct habitats, combining nocturnal UV detection with diurnal manual collection. The collected specimens were taxonomically identified, and their distribution analyzed in relation to environmental factors.

A total of 56 specimens belonging to the families Scorpionidae and Buthidae were collected. Scorpio maurus (36%) was the most commonly reported species in the region, with limited medical significance, while Buthus occitanus (16%) and Androctonus mauritanicus (12%) were unevenly distributed but were known to be responsible for the most serious cases of envenomation, particularly in children. These results provide essential reference data for assessing localized risks, developing antivenom production strategies, and guiding public health management in Morocco.


Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

Khawla Ammouch, Nihal Mesmoudi, Noureddine Hammani, Samir Ibenmoussa, Abdellah Moustaghfir and Naoual Oukkache, BIO Web Conf., 215 (2026) 01007, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202621501007