Joining the dark side: waterfall spiders in subterranean habitats, with the description of a new genus and two new species from Brazil (Araneae: Trechaleidae)

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  Joining the dark side: waterfall spiders in subterranean habitats, with the description of a new genus and two new species from Brazil (Araneae: Trechaleidae) Abstract Trechaleidae is a family of spiders often recognized by its semiaquatic species, but its diversity extends beyond these well-known examples. In this study, we describe Troglotrechalea gen. nov. , a new genus with two novel species, T. faleroae spec. nov. and T. agorai spec. nov. , found exclusively in subterranean habitats within karst formations in central and southeastern Brazil. Both species exhibit pale coloration, but unmodified eyes and legs if compared to other species in the family. The slight degree of troglomorphism, along with their geographic and habitat records, suggests that these species are restricted to hypogean habitats, although they probably move through epigean habitats. Additionally, we report in detail the occurrence of the trechaleid genera Enna O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1897, Heidrunea Brescovi...

Comparative characterization of Bothrops atrox venom compositional profiles and in vitro activities across distinct localities in the Brazilian Amazon

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Comparative characterization of Bothrops atrox venom compositional profiles and in vitro activities across distinct localities in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Bothrops atrox is responsible for most of the snakebite accidents in the Brazilian Northen region. Understanding the intraspecific variability in the snake venom of this species contributes to a better understanding and treatment of snakebite symptoms. This study presents a descriptive comparative characterization of the individual venom composition and in vitro functional profiles of Bothrops atrox specimens from distinct localities across the Amazon Basin. Individual venoms were analyzed using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and evaluated for proteolytic, phospholipase-A2 and L-amino acid oxidase, and indirect hemolytic activities. Multivariate statistical approaches (Multiple Factor Analysis and Factor Analysis of Mixed Data followed by Hierarchical Clustering of Principal Components) were applied to explore variations across groups. L-amino-acid oxidase and indirect hemolytic activities, as well as chromatogram peaks within the 51-67 min retention window, were highlighted as possible markers in the grouping of these individuals in clusters located East and West of Amazon Basin. Also, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first compositional and functional assessment of individual Bothrops atrox venoms from the Amazon Basin in Acre and insular Pará. These markers can guide future characterization studies and support clinical understanding of envenomation in this region.
Souza, D. C. D., Correa, D. P. D., Silveira, G. P. M., Serino-Silva, C., & Tanaka-Azevedo, A. M. (2026). Comparative characterization of Bothrops atrox venom compositional profiles and in vitro activities across distinct localities in the Brazilian Amazon. Toxicon, 109245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2026.109245