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Nejati J, Bueno-Marí R, Salehi M, Akbari MR, Shahi M. First Record of Black Widow Spider Bite Latrodectus cinctus (Araneae: Theridiidae) From Iran. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1086-1089. [PMID: 35244158 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The genus Latrodectus contains the most medically important spiders around the world. This study describes the first case of Latrodectus cinctus Blackwall, 1865 bite and clinical treatment from Iran. Also, it is the first collection report from the southeast of the country that can enhance prior knowledge on the geographical distribution of this species. We describe a 42-year-old female patient with neurological pain caused by the spider bite. Also, a summary of the entomological survey and morphological identification of the collected species from the patient's house is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalil Nejati
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Departament of Research and Development (R+D), Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, Spain
- Parasite and Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Masoud Salehi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Akbari
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mehran Shahi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health and Infectious & Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Khamtorn P, Peigneur S, Amorim FG, Quinton L, Tytgat J, Daduang S. De Novo Transcriptome Analysis of the Venom of Latrodectus geometricus with the Discovery of an Insect-Selective Na Channel Modulator. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010047. [PMID: 35011282 PMCID: PMC8746590 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus, is a predator of a variety of agricultural insects and is also hazardous for humans. Its venom is a true pharmacopeia representing neurotoxic peptides targeting the ion channels and/or receptors of both vertebrates and invertebrates. The lack of transcriptomic information, however, limits our knowledge of the diversity of components present in its venom. The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) carry out a transcriptomic analysis of the venom, and (2) investigate the bioactivity of the venom using an electrophysiological bioassay. From 32,505 assembled transcripts, 8 toxin families were classified, and the ankyrin repeats (ANK), agatoxin, centipede toxin, ctenitoxin, lycotoxin, scorpion toxin-like, and SCP families were reported in the L. geometricus venom gland. The diversity of L. geometricus venom was also uncovered by the transcriptomics approach with the presence of defensins, chitinases, translationally controlled tumor proteins (TCTPs), leucine-rich proteins, serine proteases, and other important venom components. The venom was also chromatographically purified, and the activity contained in the fractions was investigated using an electrophysiological bioassay with the use of a voltage clamp on ion channels in order to find if the neurotoxic effects of the spider venom could be linked to a particular molecular target. The findings show that U24-ctenitoxin-Pn1a involves the inhibition of the insect sodium (Nav) channels, BgNav and DmNav. This study provides an overview of the molecular diversity of L. geometricus venom, which can be used as a reference for the venom of other spider species. The venom composition profile also increases our knowledge for the development of novel insecticides targeting voltage-gated sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornsawan Khamtorn
- Program in Research and Development in Pharmaceuticals, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Campus Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Fernanda Gobbi Amorim
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (F.G.A.); (L.Q.)
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry, MolSys Research Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium; (F.G.A.); (L.Q.)
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, Campus Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products (CDR-HHP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Hayasaka D, Nakamori T, Tamaue K, Seko Y, Hashimoto K, Sawahata T. Dry-Heat Tolerance of Egg Sacs of Invasive Latrodectus Spiders (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Japan: Implications for Efficient Control/Extermination. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 114:2460-2465. [PMID: 34622929 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Strategic responses to invasive Latrodectus widow spiders are a global challenge due to the risks they pose to health and ecosystems. Chemical strategies involving the use of pyrethroids are effective against adult spiders, but as their populations rebound, chemical control becomes costly and unsustainable for eradication. A major obstacle is the inefficacy of insecticides against eggs, which are covered by a protective silk egg sac. Eradication of invasive spiders must focus on destroying progeny. Here, the responses of eggs in egg sacs of two invasive Latrodectus spiders in Japan (Latrodectus hasseltii (Thorell) and Latrodectus geometricus (C.L. Koch)) to short-term dry-heat exposure were examined. To test whether the dry-heat tolerance of the egg sacs of both spider species differed, lethal temperature (LT) was determined based on the hatching rate of eggs from egg sacs subjected to a range of temperatures. Hatching in both species failed completely when the egg sacs were exposed to temperatures of 55°C and above for 10 min, but the LT to reduce hatching by 90% (LT90) differed significantly between L. hasseltii (50. 9°C) and L. geometricus (52. 8°C). Our study highlights the efficacy of dry heat in suppressing hatching and thus shows the possibility for effective extermination of these noxious invasive pests. Further exploration and investigation of the effects of humidity and heat exposure time on egg sacs under field conditions are needed to guide Latrodectus spider control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hayasaka
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Takuya Nakamori
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Kazunori Tamaue
- Research & Development Center, Toa Corporation , Anzencho 1-3, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0035, Japan
| | - Yugo Seko
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara 631-8505, Japan
| | - Koya Hashimoto
- Biodiversity Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takuo Sawahata
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi 3327-204, Nara 631-8505, Japan
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Caruso MB, Lauria PSS, de Souza CMV, Casais-E-Silva LL, Zingali RB. Widow spiders in the New World: a review on Latrodectus Walckenaer, 1805 (Theridiidae) and latrodectism in the Americas. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210011. [PMID: 34745240 PMCID: PMC8553018 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Humankind has always been fascinated by venomous animals, as their toxic substances have transformed them into symbols of power and mystery. Over the centuries, researchers have been trying to understand animal venoms, unveiling intricate mixtures of molecules and their biological effects. Among venomous animals, Latrodectus Walckenaer, 1805 (widow spiders) have become feared in many cultures worldwide due to their extremely neurotoxic venom. The Latrodectus genus encompasses 32 species broadly spread around the globe, 14 of which occur in the Americas. Despite the high number of species found in the New World, the knowledge on these spiders is still scarce. This review covers the general knowledge on Latrodectus spp. from the Americas. We address widow spiders' taxonomy; geographical distribution and epidemiology; symptoms and treatments of envenomation (latrodectism); venom collection, experimental studies, proteome and transcriptome; and biotechnological studies on these Latrodectus spp. Moreover, we discuss the main challenges and limitations faced by researchers when trying to comprehend this neglected group of medically important spiders. We expect this review to help overcome the lack of information regarding widow spiders in the New World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolly Brigido Caruso
- Laboratory of Hemostasis and Venoms, Leopoldo de Meis Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Santana Sales Lauria
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Lyra Casais-E-Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunoendocrinology and Toxinology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Russolina Benedeta Zingali
- Laboratory of Hemostasis and Venoms, Leopoldo de Meis Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Hayasaka D, Numa T, Sawahata T. Differences in Bifenthrin and Fipronil Susceptibility Among Invasive Latrodectus spp. (Araneae: Theridiidae) and Nontarget Spiders in Japan. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 114:257-264. [PMID: 33399203 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Prompt responses to invasive Latrodectus spiders introduced unintentionally are needed worldwide due to their medical and ecological importance. Latrodectus species are chemically controlled using pyrethroid insecticides despite concerns about the ecological impacts of these compounds on biodiversity/ecosystems. Here, the relative sensitivities (acute toxicity: 48-h LC50) of Latrodectus hasseltii Thorell and Latrodectus geometricus C.L. Koch from Japan to the conventional neurotoxic insecticide bifenthrin (pyrethroid) and a new candidate insecticide, fipronil (phenylpyrazole), were examined. Acute residual toxicity tests of these compounds in two nontarget spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum C.L. Koch (Araneae: Theridiidae), Badumna insignis L. Koch (Araneae: Desidae)) were conducted for comparison. To test whether bifenthrin and fipronil toxicities differed among the four spiders, corresponding species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) were compared, and hazardous concentrations were determined. Sensitivity (especially in the nontarget species) was two to four orders of magnitude higher for bifenthrin than for fipronil. The SSD patterns of the two insecticides differed significantly, with the spider communities being more sensitive to bifenthrin than to fipronil. The lethal bifenthrin concentration for Latrodectus may reduce spider populations by over 70-90%. If L. hasseltii (established throughout Japan) is targeted for effective population suppression rather than L. geometricus (with a limited distribution range) using the specified insecticide concentration (LC50 value) for fipronil, less than 20% of spider communities will be impacted. Chemical operations aimed at the effective population management and subsequent eradication of invasive Latrodectus spiders while supporting local biodiversity conservation would benefit from considerations of fipronil dosages and target species sensitivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hayasaka
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomoki Numa
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi, Nara, Japan
| | - Takuo Sawahata
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nakamachi, Nara, Japan
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Khamtorn P, Rungsa P, Jangpromma N, Klaynongsruang S, Daduang J, Tessiri T, Daduang S. Partial proteomic analysis of brown widow spider ( Latrodectus geometricus) venom to determine the biological activities. Toxicon X 2020; 8:100062. [PMID: 33163957 PMCID: PMC7607507 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2020.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spiders use their venom for defence and to capture prey. These venoms contain a cocktail of biologically active compounds that display several different biological activities, such as large molecules and small molecules including peptides, proteins/enzymes, and other components. Thus, venom constituents have attracted the attention of biochemists and pharmacologists over the years. The brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) is a venomous spider found worldwide, including in Thailand. This spider causes human injuries, and the venom has many potential applications. In this study, we investigated the complexity and pharmacology of brown widow spider venom. Spider crude venom was investigated using partial proteome techniques and enzymatic activity, toxicity, and antibacterial activity assessments. We found that crude venom displayed a wide range of molecular masses from 19 to over 97 kDa, with molecular masses of 66 kDa intensely stained. Peptides and proteins were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which showed that the crude venom contained a variety of substances, including latrotoxins, apolipophorins, hemocyanins, chitinases, arginine kinase, allergen antigen 5-like protein, astacin-like metalloproteases, and serine proteases. High hyaluronidase activity was observed based on the turbidimetric method. The venom presented toxicity in crickets (PD50 = 0.73 ± 0.10 μg/g body weight), and substantial envenomation symptoms, such as slow-motion movement, paralysis, and even death, were noted. Moreover, this venom exhibited potential antibacterial activity against the gram-positive Bacillus subtilis but not the gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Spider venom contains numerous molecules with biological activity, such as latrotoxins, which affect insects, and enzymes. In addition to latrotoxins, certain enzymes in venom are hypothesized to exhibit toxicity and antimicrobial activity. This study provides important information for the further development of natural compounds or insecticidal toxins. 8 proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. Venom exhibited potential hyaluronidase activity and antibacterial activity. Crude venom presented toxicity in crickets. The venom peptides can develop for a natural lead drug or an insecticidal toxin.
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Key Words
- Antibacterial activity
- BWSV, brown widow spider venom
- Hyaluronidase
- LC-MS/MS, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry
- Latrodectus geometricus
- OD600, optical density at 600 nm
- PD50, 50% paralytic dose
- Toxicity
- Venom
- Widow spider
- kDa, kilodalton
- α-, β-, γ-, δ-, ε-LIT, alpha-, beta-, gramma-, delta-, epsilon-latroinsectotoxins
- α-latrocrustotoxin, alpha-latrocrustotoxin
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornsawan Khamtorn
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Prapenpuksiri Rungsa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Nisachon Jangpromma
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Jureerut Daduang
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Thanee Tessiri
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Division of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.,Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products (CDR-HHP), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
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Abstract
Latrodectus geometricus, also known as the brown widow or brown button spider, is an unrenowned relative of the American black widow. While brown widow envenomation is generally thought of as mild, it does have the potential to lead to moderate or severe features similar to black widow bites. We report a case of brown widow envenomation that led to a moderate reaction including rash, local pain, pain radiating proximally in the extremity and nausea. Poison control was consulted for aid in spider identification. The patient was treated for pain control and muscle relaxation and monitored for eight hours. After proper tetanus prophylaxis, the patient was successfully discharged home with well-controlled, but continued mild symptoms. This case highlights a little-known, but clinically relevant species of widow spider with a wide distribution. Expeditious identification and treatment of brown widow bites can increase patient comfort, satisfaction, and discharge rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Earwood
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, USA
| | - Jay Ladde
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, USA
| | - Philip A Giordano
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, USA
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Fischer A, Ayasse M, Andrade MCB. Natural Compounds as Spider Repellents: Fact or Myth? JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 111:314-318. [PMID: 29309619 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Although some spiders are globally invasive, found at high densities, and may be considered pests (particularly those that are toxic to humans), there are few pest management methods based on experimental data. 'Common wisdom' and advertisements on internet websites assert that a number of natural substances repel spiders. We tested whether the three substances cited most frequently (lemon oil, peppermint oil, and chestnut-fruits) effectively repelled female spiders or whether these were myths. We presented each of the putative repellents versus a control in a two-choice assay and tested responses of females of three invasive spider species in two different families: theridiids, Latrodectus geometricus C. L. Koch (Araneae: Theridiidae) and Steatoda grossa C. L. Koch (Araneae: Theridiidae) and the araneid, Araneus diadematus Clerck . Chestnuts (Araneae: Araneidae) and mint oil strongly repelled L. geometricus and A. diadematus. S. grossa was less sensitive to these chemicals but had a slight tendency to avoid chestnuts. However, lemon oil, the substance most likely to be cited as a repellent (over 1,000,000 hits on Google), had no effect on any of these spiders. We conclude that volatiles released by mint oil and chestnuts may be effective in deterring spider settlement in two different families of spiders, but lemon oil as a repellent is a myth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fischer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC
- Institut of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Institut of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Maydianne C B Andrade
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Taucare-Ríos A, Bizama G, Bustamante RO. Using Global and Regional Species Distribution Models (SDM) to Infer the Invasive Stage of Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae) in the Americas. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 45:1379-1385. [PMID: 28028084 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvw118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus C. L. Koch, 1841, is a large spider of the family Theridiidae that belongs to a genus of medical interest owing to its potent neurotoxic venom, which causes severe pain in humans. In America, this alien spider has been found in virtually all countries in the region, mainly associated with human dwellings, but also in agricultural sectors. However, the invasive process and potential distribution of this invasive species across the American continent are completely unknown. In this context, using a combination of both global and regional niche models, it is possible to hypothesize the invasive phase of the species as well as the geographic space where these different phases occur. By comparing the global and regional niches of L. geometricus, we examined its invasive process and potential distribution across the American continent. This work is an innovative approach to understanding the invasion of the brown widow spider in this area and the ecological processes that underlie this invasion. In this context, the global and regional niche comparison constitutes an appropriate tool to account for the complexities of the invasive process, generating different hypotheses amenable to being tested in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Taucare-Ríos
- Programa de Doctorado en Ecología y Biología Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile (; )
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gustavo Bizama
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile (; )
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ramiro O Bustamante
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile (; )
- Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad (IEB), Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile
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Gaikwad S, Warudkar A, Shouche Y. Efficacy of DNA barcoding for the species identification of spiders from Western Ghats of India. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2016; 28:638-644. [PMID: 27159727 DOI: 10.3109/24701394.2016.1166219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
DNA barcoding has emerged as an additional tool for taxonomy and as an aid to taxonomic impediments. Due to their extensive morphological variation, spiders are taxonomically challenging. Therefore, all over the world, attempts are being made to DNA barcode species of spiders. Till now no attempts were made to DNA barcode Indian spiders despite their rich diversity. We have generated DNA barcodes for 60 species (n = 112) of spiders for the first time from India. Although only 17 species were correctly identified at the species level, DNA barcoding correctly discriminated 99% of the species studied here. We have also found high intraspecies nucleotide divergence in Plexippus paykulli suggesting cryptic diversity that needs to be studied in detail. Our study also showed non-specific amplification of the Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene of endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia. However, these cases are very rare and could be resolved by the use of modified or group specific primers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnil Gaikwad
- a Microbial Culture Collection (MCC) , Pune , Maharashtra , India
| | - Ashwin Warudkar
- a Microbial Culture Collection (MCC) , Pune , Maharashtra , India
| | - Yogesh Shouche
- a Microbial Culture Collection (MCC) , Pune , Maharashtra , India
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