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...

Pediatric Scorpion Envenomation in Tunisia: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Therapeutic Management and Outcomes in a 14-Year Cohort Study

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Pediatric Scorpion Envenomation in Tunisia: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, Therapeutic Management and Outcomes in a 14-Year Cohort Study

Abstract

Background

Scorpion envenomation is a persistent public health concern in Tunisia, particularly in rural areas. Children are especially vulnerable due to low body weight and immature physiological systems.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study over a 14-year period (2011–2024) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. Children aged 0–14 years with confirmed scorpion envenomation were included. Epidemiological, clinical, biological, and outcome data were analyzed.

Results

Sixty-nine children were included, with a mean age of 4.6 years; two-thirds were under five years of age. Most cases occurred during summer and originated from rural areas. Systemic manifestations were present in 85.5% of patients. Moderate and severe envenomation were predominant, with 49.3% classified as Grade II and 39.1% as Grade III. Cardiac involvement was frequent, with elevated cardiac troponin observed in nearly half of cases and left ventricular dysfunction in more than one-third. Antivenom was administered in 88.4% of patients, and inotropic support was required in 25.9%. There were no fatalities; however, 18.5% of patients developed sequelae, mainly cardiac. Younger age, severe clinical presentation, seizures, respiratory distress, hyperglycemia, ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary edema, and delayed medical care (>2 hours) were significantly associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

Pediatric scorpion envenomation often leads to systemic and cardiac complications. Early recognition and rapid management are critical to reducing morbidity.