The development of the Taipan Antivenom – An Australian story from Far North Queensland

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  The development of the Taipan Antivenom – An Australian story from Far North Queensland Abstract The development of the taipan antivenom in Australia is a unique story, centred in Far North Queensland. It is infused with idealism and heroism. The taipan is one of the world’s deadliest snakes. A live specimen of the coastal taipan was not captured until 1950, and the antivenom only became available in 1955. Until then a bite from the coastal taipan was universally fatal. Kevin Budden a snake enthusiast was bitten in the process of capturing the specimen. Budden extracted a promise from those around him that the snake would not be killed but be sent to the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories in Melbourne for milking. From this courageous act, the antivenom was developed and many lives subsequently saved. The first use of the taipan antivenom was on a boy in Cairns. He survived and grew up to become an anaesthetist. Grace RF. The development of the Taipan Antivenom – An Australian story...

Morphometrical Variation in Buthus tunetanus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Tunisia

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Morphometrical Variation in Buthus tunetanus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Tunisia

Abstract

Intraspecific variation among geographical separated samples has been documented in many scorpion species. This study focuses on morphometrical variation in Buthus tunetanus from Tunisia, in order to find morphometric features that could best distinguish different populations and highlight adaptative morphometric response. Thirteen morphometric variables were measured across 180 adult specimens. Statistical analysis, mainly based on discriminant factorial analysis, showed net intraspecific variability for males and females. Metasoma and telson size represent the most discriminant factor behind the recorded variation, which makes it a great candidate of natural selection. The morphology of this part is closely linked to the assault method and venom effectiveness which are controlled by each environment’s level of risk, the size, quality, and availability of prey. The Ouled Brahim’s and Oueslatia’s populations are the most discriminant ones when compared with other regions samples. The first population, belonging to a complex geological area, is distinguished by its sizeable segments. However, the second population, belonging to a semi-isolated area, is characterized by its dwarf segments.

Sarra Hajri, Bahri, L. & Nouira, S. Morphometrical Variation in Buthus tunetanus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Tunisia. Biol Bull Russ Acad Sci 53, 143 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359025610134