Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia)

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  Evidence of venom variability associated with venom extraction interval in the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) Abstract Snake venom variability is a critical factor in antivenom production. Although several influencing factors have been studied, the impact of extraction interval on venom properties remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of various extraction intervals on venom yield, the percentage of dry weight (%Dw), and composition in the monocled cobra ( Naja kaouthia ). Twenty-five captive snakes were randomly allocated to five groups, each undergoing a control extraction followed by a repeated extraction at 1, 4, 7, 10, or 14 days. Venom profiles were characterized using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results indicated that while fresh venom yield remained stable across all intervals, %Dw significantly decreased in extractions performed between 1 and 10 days, ...

On Episinus maculipes Cavanna, 1876 in Belgium: a significant range expansion fifteen years after its initial discovery

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On Episinus maculipes Cavanna, 1876 in Belgium: a significant range expansion fifteen years after its initial discovery

Abstract 

Episinus maculipes, previously considered very rare in Belgium following its first observation in 2010, is here reassessed. New data reveal a sharp increase in observations, particularly since 2020, reflecting a rapid range expansion, with the species now recorded in all Belgian provinces. E. maculipes is expected to become widespread across Belgium.

Henrard, A., Van Keer, J., Janssen, M., Jacobs, M., Van Keer, K., Bosmans, R., Alderweireldt, M., Logghe, G., Jansen, L., Drumont, A., Vanlaer, A. & Grégoire, J.-C. (2026). On Episinus maculipes Cavanna, 1876 in Belgium: a significant range expansion fifteen years after its initial discovery. Journal of the Belgian Arachnological Society 41(1): 60-63.