The neonicotinoid imidacloprid impairs the predatory performance and functional response of the jumping spider Helpis minitabunda (Araneae, Salticidae)

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  The neonicotinoid imidacloprid impairs the predatory performance and functional response of the jumping spider Helpis minitabunda (Araneae, Salticidae) Abstract The neonicotinoid imidacloprid can cause lethal and sublethal effects in non-target organisms, including impaired behavior, reduced fertility, disrupted locomotion, and reduced predatory performance in arthropods. Spiders are among the most abundant arthropod predators in terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural ecosystems, yet the effects of neonicotinoids on the predatory function of jumping spiders remain poorly understood. The functional response of a predator describes how predation rates change with prey density and is key to understanding predator–prey dynamics. We tested whether acute exposure to a commercial formulation of imidacloprid at field-recommended concentrations alters the functional response of the Aussie bronze jumping spider, Helpis minitabunda (L. Koch, 1880). We compared the predation of treat...

Sulfated Fucosyl-Guanosines: Understudied Compounds from Spider Venom

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Sulfated Fucosyl-Guanosines: Understudied Compounds from Spider Venom

Abstract

Low molecular mass compounds are the least understood among the components of spider venom. Sulfated fucosyl-guanosines originally detected from Hololena curta McCook are unique and rarely found in nature. While their synthetic counterparts are widely used as antibiotics. The present work compiles the current knowledge of these molecules, exploring their potential biogenetic origin. Additional topics highlight biochemistry and their significance as natural products with potential for pharmaceutical developments.
Carvajal, M. A., & Victor Fajardo, M. (2026). Sulfated Fucosyl-Guanosines: Understudied Compounds from Spider Venom. Toxicon, 109033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109033