Whole-Genome sequencing of the schizomid arachnid Rowlandius potiguar Santos, Ferreira and Buzzato, 2013 from the caves of the Brazilian semiarid

Posted by
  Image Credit: CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40194191 Whole-Genome sequencing of the schizomid arachnid Rowlandius potiguar Santos, Ferreira and Buzzato, 2013 from the caves of the Brazilian semiarid Abstract Short-tailed whip scorpions (Arachnida: Schizomida) are a poorly studied group of arachnids, particularly in terms of genomic resources, despite their ecological and evolutionary relevance in subterranean environments. In this study, we present the first draft genome assembly of Rowlandius potiguar, a cave-associated species endemic to karst systems of northeastern Brazil. Genomic DNA was sequenced using Illumina paired-end technology (2 × 150 bp), and reads were assembled using a de novo assembly pipeline. The resulting genome assembly has a total length of 1.8 Gb, distributed across 1,505,104 scaffolds and 1,510,944 contigs, indicating a highly fragmented assembly. The scaffold N50 and contig N50 values were both 3.2 kb, and the GC content was ...

In Memoriam: Gérard Dupré (1947–2026) — A Life Devoted to the Study of Scorpions

Posted by

 

Photo Credit: Le Parisien

In Memoriam: Gérard Dupré (1947–2026) — A Life Devoted to the Study of Scorpions

The passing of Gérard Dupré (1947–2026) is a deeply felt loss for those of us who share an interest in the study of scorpions and other arachnids. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to documenting and preserving arachnological knowledge, contributing valuable work on scorpion taxonomy, distribution, and bibliography. His careful attention to the literature helped bring clarity and organization to a field whose history spans centuries and many languages.

Gérard was also closely associated with the journal Arachnides, which became an important outlet for sharing research, faunistic records, and historical notes within the arachnological community. Through this work, he helped ensure that observations and studies—large and small—were preserved and made accessible to others with similar scientific interests.

Beyond his scholarly contributions, Gérard was a humble and generous individual who engaged warmly with colleagues and enthusiasts alike. I had the privilege of communicating with him regularly over the years. Our conversations often revolved around arachnology and the literature surrounding scorpions, subjects he approached with genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge. Our last exchange took place on the 3rd of March of this year, a correspondence I now look back on with particular appreciation.

I also remember him as one of the very first followers of my blog, Arácnido Taxonomy. His early support meant a great deal to me, and it reflected the kind of person he was—encouraging, attentive, and quietly supportive of the work of others in the field.

With his passing, the arachnological community loses not only a dedicated scholar but also a thoughtful and kind presence. His work will continue to be consulted and valued, and he will be remembered with respect and gratitude by those who knew him and by many others who benefited from his efforts.

Rest in peace, my friend.