Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions

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  Distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus scorpion venoms on cardiovascular and renal functions Abstract Background:    Heterometrus laoticus and Lychas mucronatus are widely distributed in Southeast Asia, yet their pathophysiological effects of both venoms remain poorly characterized due to low human fatality rates. This study compared their venom compositions and acute cardiovascular and renal effects. Methods:   Anesthetized male New Zealand White rabbits were monitored for blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and renal clearance following intravenous administration of crude venom (0.5 mg/kg). Venom components were identified via LC-MS/MS, and hematological/biochemical parameters were assessed. Results:    H. laoticus venom induced a rapid, transient hypotension ( p < 0.05), followed by a mild, prolonged hypotensive phase (up to 120 min). Conversely, L. mucronatus venom elicited a biphasic response: ...

Mygalomorph spiders from Peru (Araneae, Pycnothelidae, Rhytidicolidae): description of two new species and first Peruvian record of the family Rhytidicolidae

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Mygalomorph spiders from Peru (Araneae, Pycnothelidae, Rhytidicolidae): description of two new species and first Peruvian record of the family Rhytidicolidae

Abstract

Two previously unknown mygalomorph spider species belonging to two families are described from the south-central Andean region of Peru. Within the family Pycnothelidae, Acanthogonatus goloboffi sp. n. is described, diagnosed and illustrated based on a female from Ccochirhuay, Cusco. The female of this species differs from most known Acanthogonatus by the shape of the spermathecae, which possess two single receptacles lacking additional projections or chambers. It further differs from congeners sharing a single receptacle by having non-spiraled ducts with a well-defined constriction and outwardly directed spherical receptacles. This represents the second record of the genus Acanthogonatus in Peru. Within the family Rhytidicolidae, Fufius agualaniensis sp. n. is described, diagnosed and illustrated based on a female from Agualani, Puno. The female of this species is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: a straight fovea; a sternum as wide as long; a labiosternal junction with a well-developed septum; a preening comb on metatarsus IV consisting of seven large spines in a single row; and spermathecae with a wide, inwardly curved stalk giving rise to three sinuous branches ending in digitiform or domed structures. This constitutes the first formal record of the family Rhytidicolidae from Peru.

Beratz, M. J., Ferretti, N. E., Chaparro, J. C., & West, R. C. (2026). Mygalomorph spiders from Peru (Araneae, Pycnothelidae, Rhytidicolidae): description of two new species and first Peruvian record of the family Rhytidicolidae. Zoodiversity, 60(2). https://doi.org/10.15407/zoo2026.02.109