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...

Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis

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Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis

Abstract

Snakebites are a public health issue in Brazil, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and temporal trends of medically relevant snakebites in Brazil from 2009 to 2023. This is an ecological time-series study of snakebites in Brazil, 2009–2023. All reported accidents regarding the genera Bothrops, Crotalus, Lachesis, and Micrurus were included. Descriptive analyses considered sociodemographic (sex, age, education), clinical (severity, antivenom administration, evolution), and regional variables. The Joinpoint Regression Program was used for temporal trend analysis and a significance level of 5% was adopted. During the period, 368,551 cases were reported in Brazil (incidence rate of 12.1/100,000 inhabitants per year). Most cases occurred among men and economically active adults with low levels of education. The genus Bothrops accounted for 86.4% of the accidents. The national trend of snakebites was stationary (AAPC = − 0.6%; p = 0.545). Significant regional disparities were observed. States such as Amapá (AAPC =  + 3.5%; p < 0.05) and Rondônia (AAPC =  + 2.9%; p < 0.05) experienced a growing incidence. The South and Midwest regions showed a decrease, particularly in the states of Santa Catarina (AAPC = − 4.2%; p < 0.05) and Mato Grosso do Sul (AAPC = − 3.7%; p < 0.05). Accidents involving Micrurus showed an upward trend in the North and Southeast, whereas accidents involving Lachesis decreased, especially in the North region (AAPC = − 5.1%; p < 0.01). From 2009 to 2023, snakebite accidents in Brazil were more likely to affect exposed individuals, mostly involving Bothrops snakes. Brazil exhibited a stationary trend in incident rates over the study period, suggesting that the burden of disease has neither increased nor decreased. Targeted interventions, including health education and enhanced surveillance, are warranted to address this persistent trend and mitigate future cases.

Cardoso, L.C., Nunes, H.M.G., da Silva, J.M.R. et al. Medically relevant snakebite envenomation in Brazil (2009–2023): an epidemiological profile and temporal trend analysis. Discov Public Health 23, 326 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-026-01680-0