When Tarantula Venom Comes from a Misnamed Spider: The Importance of Taxonomic Accuracy in Theraphosid Toxinology

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  When Tarantula Venom Comes from a Misnamed Spider: The Importance of Taxonomic Accuracy in Theraphosid Toxinology I am very happy to share my most recent publication in Toxicon. This is a particularly meaningful publication for me because it brings together two areas that have become an important part of my work and personal interests: tarantulas and toxinology. At first glance, taxonomy and venom research may seem like two very different fields. In reality, they are closely connected. Before we can properly study the venom of a spider, we need to know which spider we are actually studying. Why the Name Matters A scientific name is much more than a label attached to an animal. It connects that animal to everything we report about it, including its biology, distribution, behavior, venom, toxins, and even its potential medical importance. When a tarantula is incorrectly identified, or when an outdated name continues to be used without considering changes in taxonomy, the problem ca...

Systematics of the Aliatypus erebus Group (Mygalomorphae, F. Antrodiaetidae): Exploring a Possible Ring of Species Around the California Central Valley (Full Text Dissertation or Thesis)

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Systematics of the Aliatypus erebus Group (Mygalomorphae, F. Antrodiaetidae): Exploring a Possible Ring of Species Around the California Central Valley (Full Text Dissertation or Thesis)

The Aliatypus erebus group represents a monophyletic radiation of trapdoor spiders with a ring-like distribution around California's Central Valley, shaped by long-term geological events and exhibiting substantial cryptic diversity and geographic structuring.

Additional topics discussed include:
  • Phylogenomic methods using ultra conserved elements (UCE)
  • Impact of tectonic activity and fault systems on species diversification
  • Cryptic speciation and species delimitation in low-dispersal arthropods


Hays, T. G. (2026). Systematics of the aliatypus erebus group (mygalomorphae, F. antrodiaetidae): Exploring a possible ring of species around the california central valley (Order No. 32582807). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (3330504647). https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/systematics-em-aliatypus-erebus-group/docview/3330504647/se-2