Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain

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  Hidden diversity in plain sight: four new species of Nemesia (Araneae: Mygalomorphae) from the Córdoba Province of Spain Abstract A taxonomic revision of the species of Nemesia Audouin, 1826, distributed in the vicinity of Córdoba City, southern Spain, is presented. Four new species are described: Nemesia morana sp. nov. (female), N. kodama sp. nov. (male and female), N. rosae sp. nov. (male and female), and N. tamajoni sp. nov. (male and female). These species are distinguished by distinct morphological characters, including the shape of the spermathecae, palpal bulbs, and spinnerets, as well as by burrow architecture. Fieldwork was conducted across two of the three major habitat types in the region—the humid, forested mountains of Sierra Morena and the croplands and riparian forests of the Guadalquivir Valley—while the third, the “campiña”, which is mainly composed of agricultural landscapes, remains poorly explored. Sampling methods included pitfall trapping and the direct e...

Comprehensive molecular characterization and comparison of venom proteins and transcripts in three Gloydius species from South Korea

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Comprehensive molecular characterization and comparison of venom proteins and transcripts in three Gloydius species from South Korea

Abstract

In Korea, Gloydius brevicaudus, G. ussuriensis, and G. intermedius are the primary venomous species causing human envenomation. Although these species belong to the same genus, their envenomations induce distinct clinical symptoms, and the inconsistent efficacy of antivenoms underscores the need for species-specific therapeutic strategies. However, comprehensive molecular and toxicological profiling of Korean Gloydius species has remained unexplored. In this study, we quantitatively distinguished the venoms of three Gloydius species using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The results revealed that each species has evolved distinct venom protein profiles. To further investigate their expression regulation, we identified transcripts coding the major venomous proteins, which revealed species-specific regulatory differences at the transcriptional level. To verify the functionality of the identified transcripts, recombinant expression of two SVMPs was successfully expressed and their proteolytic activities were tested. This study establishes a systematic framework for understanding the molecular diversity of Korean Gloydius venoms and identifies species-specific toxin candidates that could serve as potential leads for the development of tailored antivenoms, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic vaccines.

Park, H.S., Moon, J.M., Chun, B.J. et al. Comprehensive molecular characterization and comparison of venom proteins and transcripts in three Gloydius species from South Korea. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40454-1