How to ensure a species remains in oblivion: the history of Nemesia hispanica L. Koch, 1871 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Nemesiidae)

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  How to ensure a species remains in oblivion: the history of Nemesia hispanica L. Koch, 1871 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Nemesiidae) Abstract The taxonomic history of Nemesia hispanica L. Koch 1871 is revised; it is a species long affected by misidentifications since 1871. New material from Monte Abantos, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid (Spain) is analyzed, providing the first descriptions of males, adult females, and burrow structure—particularly relevant given that the holotype seems to be an immature specimen. Morphology of copulatory organs and the distinctive burrow architecture allow clear differentiation from other morphologically related species. Finally, the historical chain of misidentifications is examined, along with its implications for Iberian nemesiid diversity and taxonomy. Pertegal, C., Narro, A. & Olivares, P. (2026) How to ensure a species remains in oblivion: the history of Nemesia hispanica L. Koch, 1871 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Nemesiidae). Zootaxa , 5869...

Cytolytic Peptides from Oxyopes takobius Spider Venom Inhibit Chlamydial Growth

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Cytolytic Peptides from Oxyopes takobius Spider Venom Inhibit Chlamydial Growth

Abstract

Cytolytic peptides are a large, heterogeneous group of proteinaceous compounds capable of disrupting the integrity of biological membranes and causing cell lysis. Arthropod venom is a rich source of cytolytic peptides. Melittin from honeybee venom, as well as several peptides from the venom of the spider Lachesana tarabaevi, have previously been demonstrated to inhibit the growth of the intracellular parasitic bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In this study, using the Tet-On system for regulated gene expression in HEK293 cells, it was demonstrated that oxyopinins—cytolytic peptides derived from the venom of the spider Oxyopes takobius—exhibit similar anti-chlamydial activity. Oxyopinins have diverse amino acid sequences and are not homologous to previously studied peptides. This work significantly expands the range of known compounds with anti-chlamydial activity.

Polina, N., Kostryukova, E., Vassilevski, A. et al. Cytolytic Peptides from Oxyopes takobius Spider Venom Inhibit Chlamydial Growth. Biochem. Moscow Suppl. Ser. A 20, 343–348 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1990747826700200