The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides

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  The chromosome-level genome of Mesobuthus martensii provides insights into its evolution and the diversity of venom peptides Abstract Mesobuthus martensii , the source species of the traditional Chinese medicine “Quanxie”, has long been utilized for its therapeutic properties. Venom peptides are recognized as the major active molecular basis of these pharmacological activities. Despite this, their development as therapeutic agents remains poorly explored. In this study, we performed an integrated multi-omics investigation to systematically explore the venom peptides of Mesobuthus martensii . We generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Mesobuthus martensii using third-generation sequencing technologies, yielding a genome size of 1.08 Gb with a contig N50 of 46.46 Mb. Integrated genomic and transcriptomic analyses led to the identification of 51 putative novel venom peptide candidates. From the broader venom peptide set, five lysine- and arginine-rich candidates were select...

Two New Troglobitic Species of Giupponia Pérez-González & Kury, 2002 (Opiliones: Gonyleptoidea) from Caves of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil

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Two New Troglobitic Species of Giupponia Pérez-González & Kury, 2002 (Opiliones: Gonyleptoidea) from Caves of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil

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Among the most fascinating environments on Earth are caves. These places are usually humid and have little to no light, creating unique conditions for life. Throughout history, caves have often been linked to legends and mysteries, sometimes seen as homes of unknown creatures or even gateways to other worlds. Interestingly, the idea that caves shelter unusual or “strange” creatures is not entirely wrong, as new troglobitic (name given to animals that live only in caves) species are still being discovered in these environments today. In this study, we describe two new species of arachnids belonging to the order Opiliones (commonly known as harvestmen). These species belong to the genus Giupponia, which, until 2002, included only a single known species. These new species were found in an important region in northeastern Brazil, the Serra do Ramalho karst area, known for its large number of caves, some of them extensive and visually striking. Describing new species helps us better understand biodiversity and provides important information to support the conservation of these unique environments and their fauna.

Gallão, J. E., Bichuette, M. E., Kury, A. B., & Hara, M. R. (2026). Two New Troglobitic Species of Giupponia Pérez-González & Kury, 2002 (Opiliones: Gonyleptoidea) from Caves of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. Animals, 16(11), 1609. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16111609