New spider species named after curator | Danni Sherwood | Manchester Museum

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New spider species named after curator | Danni Sherwood | Manchester Museum Two newly described spider species have been named in honour of members of our Entomology team, recognising their support for spider research at the Museum. Colombiarachne dianae, a tarantula from the Chocó region of Colombia, is named after our Curator of Entomology, Diana Arzuza Buelvas. Titanidiops logunovi, a trapdoor spider from Galegu, Sudan, is named after Dmitri Logunov. The names were chosen by one of our favourite frequent visitors, the amazing spider researcher Danni Sherwood. As Danni put it: "It’s a small token of my appreciation for all the help you give me in Manchester!" It's a wonderful reminder that behind every scientific discovery is a community of people helping to make research possible. Congratulations to Diana and Dmitri on this very special honour! 

Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania

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Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania

Fewer than 0.5% of spider species are medically significant, with the genus Loxosceles responsible for most dermonecrotic envenomings.1,2 In the Mediterranean, Loxosceles rufescens is the primary species associated with loxoscelism.2 This synanthropic spider thrives in human dwellings, typically biting only when inadvertently provoked.1,3,4 Its venom, containing sphingomyelinase D, triggers local inflammation and necrosis,1,5 and rarer the acute localized exanthematous pustulosis.6 Diagnosis is often challenged by initial painlessness, leading to frequent misidentification as bacterial infections.2,4,5 These cases in Albania highlight the need for improved clinical recognition of regional spider-bite occurrences.7
Two cases were retrospectively documented via interviews and photos. Informed consent was obtained from both participants. 
Vrenozi, B., & Dugon, M. Letter: Description of Two Cases of Spider Bites Attributed to Loxosceles rufescens (Araneae, Sicariidae) in Albania. Dermatitis®. https://doi.org/10.1177_17103568261444624