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...

Microclimate of cemetery habitats and nest site selection of Eresus kollari (Araneae: Eresidae) in South Korea

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Microclimate of cemetery habitats and nest site selection of Eresus kollari (Araneae: Eresidae) in South Korea

Abstract

Nest site selection and construction are important life history events for many animals. These decisions are largely governed by abiotic factors such as temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. Eresus kollari—a burrowing spider that excavates its own nest and rears its offspring within—likewise faces important decisions when choosing where to build. In South Korea, the species often occupies sun-exposed, dome-shaped burial mounds. To understand the behavioral decision-making that leads the species to occupy mound habitats, we conducted field surveys and laboratory experiments. Field surveys showed that 75.6% of all E. kollari nests were found on mound surfaces, with the highest density near the mound center (3.98 nests/m2). Across the hemispherical mound, nests were concentrated on the eastern, central, and western sectors and displayed a slight overall bias toward the south. Mean soil temperature was ~19°C and did not differ between the mound and adjacent ground. In contrast, the mound surface was markedly drier (soil moisture = 4.7%) than the surrounding soil (7.5%). These spiders formed highly localized clusters within their habitats; this clustering pattern resembled a parent–offspring aggregation and also suggested that individuals exhibit preferences for specific environmental conditions. Laboratory selection tests corroborated the field patterns: Spiders preferentially moved away from moist substrates and displayed a strong attraction to illuminated directions. Collectively, these results suggest that E. kollari prefers sunny, dry mound surfaces as nesting sites and settles there to construct nests.

Choi, J. H., Oh, D., Kim, N. H., Lee, J. K., & Kim, K. W. (2026). Microclimate of cemetery habitats and nest site selection of Eresus kollari (Araneae: Eresidae) in South Korea. Ecosphere, 17(7), e70708. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.70708