My name is Luis A. Roque, and I am the founder and curator of Arácnido Taxonomy, a scientific platform that bridges the fields of arachnid taxonomy and toxinology. With more than 25 years of professional experience in medicine—spanning clinical research, regulatory compliance, and the oversight of life-cycle processes in healthcare—I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to the life sciences, where biological classification intersects with biomedical relevance. My medical background has profoundly shaped my approach to scientific inquiry, fostering a methodical and evidence-driven exploration of biodiversity, venom systems, and their translational potential in human health.
My passion for arachnids began at an early age and has matured into a dedicated pursuit of taxonomic precision and evolutionary understanding. Aracnido Taxonomy reflects this commitment, offering a platform where species discovery, nomenclatural accuracy, and systematics are central. The site focuses on the classification of arachnids—particularly spiders and scorpions—integrating both traditional morphological taxonomy and emerging molecular methodologies to contribute to a clearer and more robust understanding of arachnid diversity and phylogeny.
In parallel, my work delves deeply into the study of venomics and toxinology, not only in arachnids but also in snakes and other venomous wildlife. This line of inquiry seeks to uncover the biochemical complexity of venom, its evolutionary origins, and its diverse pharmacological properties. My medical expertise allows me to examine venom through a biomedical lens—exploring how these natural compounds can inform the development of novel therapeutics, improve antivenom strategies, and enhance our understanding of physiological interactions at the molecular level.
Through Arácnido Taxonomy and the companion Instagram account, @aracnidotaxonomy, I aim to make complex scientific topics accessible while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The platform serves as both an educational resource and a scholarly archive, intended for taxonomists, biologists, toxinologists, medical researchers, and scientifically curious individuals alike. My goal is to foster a community where taxonomy, medicine, and evolutionary biology converge—supporting collaborative discovery and the continued appreciation of life’s most intricate and often misunderstood organisms.