Sex- and development-specific transcriptomic profiling of venom and silk genes in the wolf spider Pardosa astrigera provides insights into ecological adaptation and predatory strategies

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  Sex- and development-specific transcriptomic profiling of venom and silk genes in the wolf spider Pardosa astrigera provides insights into ecological adaptation and predatory strategies Abstract Spider venom and silk glands are two major secretory systems that contribute to prey capture, defense, and reproduction, but their sex- and development-specific molecular regulation in wandering wolf spiders remains poorly understood. Here, the transcriptome of Pardosa astrigera , an important agricultural natural enemy in China, revealed significant sex- and development-associated molecular differentiation among adult females, adult males, and spiderlings. A total of 100,025 unigenes were obtained, of which 23,852 were functionally annotated, providing a comprehensive transcriptomic resource for this species. Differential expression patterns showed marked variation among groups, with 531, 1792, and 832 DEGs detected in PAF vs PAS, PAM vs PAS, and PAF vs PAM, respectively. These genes we...

Troglorhopalurus araras (Scorpiones: Buthidae) a new subterranean scorpion from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

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Troglorhopalurus araras (Scorpiones: Buthidae) a new subterranean scorpion from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT

We describe Troglorhopalurus araras sp. n. based only on females, as a new obligatory and exclusively subterranean scorpion occurring in three caves from Ituaçu, State of Bahia, Brazil. The caves of Ituaçu belong to an isolated portion of the Una geomorphological group. Troglorhopalurus araras is the third known species of Troglorhopalurus and differs from its congeners by size, carination mainly in chela hand and metasoma, teeth of pecten, shape of telson spine, and colour. This new species enhances the diversity of cave-dwelling species in Brazilian caves, as well as the knowledge of cave scorpions. Troglorhopalurus araras must be considered threatened due to its restricted endemism at caves in the Chapada Diamantina.

Gallão, J. E., & Ribeiro, D. B. (2026). Troglorhopalurus araras (Scorpiones: Buthidae) a new subterranean scorpion from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. Journal of Natural History, 60(9–12), 557–572. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2618697