A further new species for the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) from a poorly prospected region of Brazilian Amazonia

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  A further new species for the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) from a poorly prospected region of Brazilian Amazonia Abstract  A new species of the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 is described from the region which today defines the ‘Reserva Biológica do Río Trombetas’ in the state of Pará, Brazil. The collection of the unique specimen, presently study, took place previously to the definition of this reserve, in a joint field trip with a team of the Instituto Brasileiro de Desenvolvimento Florestal (IBDF). Ananteris antoni sp. n. is described based on one female specimen collected in a zone of dense humid forest, under death log. With this new description, the number of Ananteris species known for the scorpion fauna of Brazil is now raised to 33. Lourenço W. R., 2026. – A further new species for the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) from a poorly prospected region of Brazilian Amazonia. Faunitaxys, 14(63): 1 – 5.  https://doi.o...

Web of Potentials: Neuroactive Components of Spider Venom and Their Emerging Pharmacologic Applications in Neurologic Diseases

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Web of Potentials: Neuroactive Components of Spider Venom and Their Emerging Pharmacologic Applications in Neurologic Diseases

Abstract

Spider venom has emerged as a promising source of neuroactive compounds with potential applications in the treatment of complex neurological disorders. With over 53,000 described species and more yet to be studied, spiders possess one of the most chemically diverse venoms in the animal kingdom. This diversity has evolved through ecological adaptation, enabling spiders to paralyze and manipulate the nervous systems of a wide range of prey. These same mechanisms, which target ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, and signaling enzymes, coincide with pathways implicated in human neurologic diseases. By examining the structure–function relationships of spider venom components, this review highlights how venom compounds can modulate neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Evidence of therapeutic relevance is found in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, erectile dysfunction, and anxiety, where specific spider-derived components have demonstrated potential disease-modifying effects. Furthermore, by integrating molecular action with disease relevance and ecological context, this review proposes a shift in how spider venom is viewed—not simply as a source of isolated toxins, but as a platform for next-generation therapeutics. This integration of ecological, molecular, and therapeutic dimensions not only synthesizes current knowledge but also charts a path for future interdisciplinary research by revealing critical translational gaps and offering strategies to bridge them toward effective neurotherapeutics.

Bautista, J.L.C., Abellanosa, E.A.M., Jardiolin, J.G. et al. Web of Potentials: Neuroactive Components of Spider Venom and Their Emerging Pharmacologic Applications in Neurologic Diseases. BioDrugs (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40259-025-00764-8