Spatial distribution and sample size to estimate Lycosa erythrognatha (Araneae: Lycosidae) population density overwintering / Distribuição espacial e tamanho de amostra para estimar a densidade populacional de Lycosa erythrognatha (Araneae: Lycosidae) durante o inverno

Lycosa erythrognatha Lucas, 1833 (Araneae: Lycosidae) is a predatory arthropod with potential for conservation biological control. In addition to being considered a bioindicator of environmental quality, this arthropod provides an important service for agriculture by reducing insect-pest populations. In this work we seek to understand how the plants Andropogon bicornis L., Saccharum angustifolium Nees and Eustachys retusa Lag (Poales: Poaceae) and their different clump sizes affect the population density, spatial distribution and determination of the minimum number of samples to estimate its population density during the winter. Among the evaluated host plants, S. angustifolium and A. bicornis presented higher population density than E. retusa, but we observed that the clump diameter significantly influences the population density and the minimum number of samples. We observed a gregarious behavior in plants of A. bicornis and E. retusa. For S. angustifolium, a uniform distribution was observed.(AU)

Lycosa erythrognatha Lucas, 1833 (Araneae: Lycosidae) é um artrópode predador com potencial para controle biológico de conservação. Além de ser considerado um bioindicador da qualidade ambiental, esse artrópode fornece um importante serviço para a agricultura, reduzindo as populações de insetos-praga. Neste trabalho buscamos entender como as plantas Andropogon bicornis L., Saccharum angustifolium Nees e Eustachys retusa Lag (Poales: Poaceae) e seus diferentes tamanhos de touceira afetam a densidade populacional, distribuição espacial e a determinação do número mínimo de amostras para estimar sua densidade populacional durante o inverno. Entre as plantas hospedeiras avaliadas, S. angustifolium e A. bicornis apresentaram maior densidade populacional que E. retusa, observamos que o diâmetro da touceira influencia significativamente a densidade populacional e o número mínimo de amostras. Observamos um comportamento gregário nas plantas de A. bicornis e E. retusa. Para S. angustifolium, uma distribuição uniforme foi observada.(AU)

Spatial distribution and sample size to estimate Lycosa erythrognatha (Araneae: Lycosidae) population density overwintering

Abstract Lycosa erythrognatha Lucas, 1833 (Araneae: Lycosidae) is a predatory arthropod with potential for conservation biological control. In addition to being considered a bioindicator of environmental quality, this arthropod provides an important service for agriculture by reducing insect-pest populations. In this work we seek to understand how the plants Andropogon bicornis L., Saccharum angustifolium Nees and Eustachys retusa Lag (Poales: Poaceae) and their different clump sizes affect the population density, spatial distribution and determination of the minimum number of samples to estimate its population density during the winter. Among the evaluated host plants, S. angustifolium and A. bicornis presented higher population density than E. retusa, but we observed that the clump diameter significantly influences the population density and the minimum number of samples. We observed a gregarious behavior in plants of A. bicornis and E. retusa. For S. angustifolium, a uniform distribution was observed.

Resumo Lycosa erythrognatha Lucas, 1833 (Araneae: Lycosidae) é um artrópode predador com potencial para controle biológico de conservação. Além de ser considerado um bioindicador da qualidade ambiental, esse artrópode fornece um importante serviço para a agricultura, reduzindo as populações de insetos-praga. Neste trabalho buscamos entender como as plantas Andropogon bicornis L., Saccharum angustifolium Nees e Eustachys retusa Lag (Poales: Poaceae) e seus diferentes tamanhos de touceira afetam a densidade populacional, distribuição espacial e a determinação do número mínimo de amostras para estimar sua densidade populacional durante o inverno. Entre as plantas hospedeiras avaliadas, S. angustifolium e A. bicornis apresentaram maior densidade populacional que E. retusa, observamos que o diâmetro da touceira influencia significativamente a densidade populacional e o número mínimo de amostras. Observamos um comportamento gregário nas plantas de A. bicornis e E. retusa. Para S. angustifolium, uma distribuição uniforme foi observada.

Intravitreal injection of the synthetic peptide LyeTx I b, derived from a spider toxin, into the rabbit eye is safe and prevents neovascularization in a chorioallantoic membrane model

The great diversity of molecules found in spider venoms include amino acids, polyamines, proteins and peptides, among others. Some of these compounds can interact with different neuronal receptors and ion channels including those present in the ocular system. To study potential toxicity and safety of intravitreal injection in rabbits of LyeTx I b, a synthetic peptide derived from the toxin LyeTx I found in venom from the spider Lycosa eritrognatha and to evaluate the angiogenic activity on a CAM model. Methods: ARPE-19 cells were treated with LyeTx I b (0.36; 0.54; 0.72; 2.89; 4.34 or 9.06 µM). In this study, New Zealand rabbits were used. LyeTx I b (2.89 µM) labeled with FITC dissolved in PBS, or only PBS, were injected into vitreous humor. Electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded 1 day before injection and at 7,14 and 28 days post-injection. Clinical examination of the retina was conducted through tonometer and eye fundus after ERG. Eyes were enucleated and retinas were prepared for histology in order to assess retinal structure. CAMs were exposed to LyeTx I b (0.54; 0.72; 2.17 or 2.89 µM). Results: ARPE-19 cells exposed to LyeTx I b showed cell viability at the same levels of the control. The fluorescence of LyeTx I b labeled with FITC indicated its retinal localization. Our findings indicate ERG responses from rats injected in the eye with LyeTx I b were very similar to the corresponding responses of those animals injected only with vehicle. Clinical examination found no alterations of intraocular pressure or retinal integrity. No histological damage in retinal layers was observed. CAM presented reduced neovascularization when exposed to LyeTx I b. Conclusions: Intravitreal injection of LyeTx I b is safe for use in the rabbit eye and prevents neovascularization in the CAM model, at Bevacizumab levels. These findings support intravitreal LyeTx l b as a good candidate to develop future alternative treatment for the retina in neovascularization diseases.(AU)

Intravitreal injection of the synthetic peptide LyeTx I b, derived from a spider toxin, into the rabbit eye is safe and prevents neovascularization in a chorioallantoic membrane model

Background: The great diversity of molecules found in spider venoms include amino acids, polyamines, proteins and peptides, among others. Some of these compounds can interact with different neuronal receptors and ion channels including those present in the ocular system. To study potential toxicity and safety of intravitreal injection in rabbits of LyeTx I b, a synthetic peptide derived from the toxin LyeTx I found in venom from the spider Lycosa eritrognatha and to evaluate the angiogenic activity on a CAM model. Methods: ARPE-19 cells were treated with LyeTx I b (0.36; 0.54; 0.72; 2.89; 4.34 or 9.06 M). In this study, New Zealand rabbits were used. LyeTx I b (2.89 M) labeled with FITC dissolved in PBS, or only PBS, were injected into vitreous humor. Electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded 1 day before injection and at 7,14 and 28 days post-injection. Clinical examination of the retina was conducted through tonometer and eye fundus after ERG. Eyes were enucleated and retinas were prepared for histology in order to assess retinal structure. CAMs were exposed to LyeTx I b (0.54; 0.72; 2.17 or 2.89 M). Results: ARPE-19 cells exposed to LyeTx I b showed cell viability at the same levels of the control. The fluorescence of LyeTx I b labeled with FITC indicated its retinal localization. Our findings indicate ERG responses from rats injected in the eye with LyeTx I b were very similar to the corresponding responses of those animals injected only with vehicle. Clinical examination found no alterations of intraocular pressure or retinal integrity. No histological damage in retinal layers was observed. CAM presented reduced neovascularization when exposed to LyeTx I b. Conclusions: Intravitreal injection of LyeTx I b is safe for use in the rabbit eye and prevents neovascularization in the CAM model, at Bevacizumab levels... (AU)

Spatial distribution and sample size to estimate Lycosa erythrognatha (Araneae: Lycosidae) population density overwintering

Abstract Lycosa erythrognatha Lucas, 1833 (Araneae: Lycosidae) is a predatory arthropod with potential for conservation biological control. In addition to being considered a bioindicator of environmental quality, this arthropod provides an important service for agriculture by reducing insect-pest populations. In this work we seek to understand how the plants Andropogon bicornis L., Saccharum angustifolium Nees and Eustachys retusa Lag (Poales: Poaceae) and their different clump sizes affect the population density, spatial distribution and determination of the minimum number of samples to estimate its population density during the winter. Among the evaluated host plants, S. angustifolium and A. bicornis presented higher population density than E. retusa, but we observed that the clump diameter significantly influences the population density and the minimum number of samples. We observed a gregarious behavior in plants of A. bicornis and E. retusa. For S. angustifolium, a uniform distribution was observed.

Resumo Lycosa erythrognatha Lucas, 1833 (Araneae: Lycosidae) é um artrópode predador com potencial para controle biológico de conservação. Além de ser considerado um bioindicador da qualidade ambiental, esse artrópode fornece um importante serviço para a agricultura, reduzindo as populações de insetos-praga. Neste trabalho buscamos entender como as plantas Andropogon bicornis L., Saccharum angustifolium Nees e Eustachys retusa Lag (Poales: Poaceae) e seus diferentes tamanhos de touceira afetam a densidade populacional, distribuição espacial e a determinação do número mínimo de amostras para estimar sua densidade populacional durante o inverno. Entre as plantas hospedeiras avaliadas, S. angustifolium e A. bicornis apresentaram maior densidade populacional que E. retusa, observamos que o diâmetro da touceira influencia significativamente a densidade populacional e o número mínimo de amostras. Observamos um comportamento gregário nas plantas de A. bicornis e E. retusa. Para S. angustifolium, uma distribuição uniforme foi observada.

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of two peptide LyeTx I derivatives modified with the chelating agent HYNIC for radiolabeling with technetium-99m

Background Current diagnostic methods and imaging techniques are not able to differentiate septic and aseptic inflammation. Thus, reliable methods are sought to provide this distinction and scintigraphic imaging is an interesting option, since it is based on physiological changes. In this context, radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides have been investigated as they accumulate in infectious sites instead of aseptic inflammation. The peptide LyeTx I, from the venom of Lycosa erythrognatha, has potent antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize LyeTx I derivatives with the chelating compound HYNIC, to evaluate their antimicrobial activity and to radiolabel them with 99mTc. Methods Two LyeTx I derivatives, HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) and LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification), were synthesized by Fmoc strategy and purified by RP-HPLC. The purified products were assessed by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Microbiological assays were performed against S. aureus (ATCC® 6538) and E. coli (ATCC® 10536) in liquid medium to calculate the MIC. The radiolabeling procedure of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC with 99mTc was performed in the presence of co-ligands (tricine and EDDA) and reducing agent (SnCl2. 2H2O), and standardized taking into account the amount of peptide, reducing agent, pH and heating. Radiochemical purity analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel strips and the radiolabeled compound was assessed by RP-HPLC and radioactivity measurement of the collected fractions. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p-values < 0.05). Results Both LyeTx I derivatives were suitably synthesized and purified, as shown by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. The microbiological test showed that HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) did not inhibit bacterial growth, whereas LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification) showed a MIC of 5.05 μmol.L−1 (S. aureus) and 10.10 μmol.L−1 (E. coli). Thus, only the latter was radiolabeled with 99mTc. The radiochemical purity analysis of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC-99mTc showed that the optimal radiolabeling conditions (10 μg of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC; 250 μg of SnCl2. 2H2O; pH = 7; heating for 15 min) yielded a radiochemical purity of 87 ± 1 % (n= 3). However, RP-HPLC data suggested 99mTc transchelation from LyeTx I-K-HYNIC to the co-ligands (tricine and EDDA). Conclusions The binding of HYNIC to the N-terminal portion of LyeTx I seems to affect its activity against bacteria. Nevertheless, the radiolabeling of the C-terminal derivative, LyeTx I-K-HYNIC, must be better investigated to optimize the radiolabeled compound, in order to use it as a specific imaging agent to distinguish septic and aseptic inflammation.(AU)

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of two peptide LyeTx I derivatives modified with the chelating agent HYNIC for radiolabeling with technetium-99m

Current diagnostic methods and imaging techniques are not able to differentiate septic and aseptic inflammation. Thus, reliable methods are sought to provide this distinction and scintigraphic imaging is an interesting option, since it is based on physiological changes. In this context, radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides have been investigated as they accumulate in infectious sites instead of aseptic inflammation. The peptide LyeTx I, from the venom of Lycosa erythrognatha, has potent antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize LyeTx I derivatives with the chelating compound HYNIC, to evaluate their antimicrobial activity and to radiolabel them with 99mTc. Methods Two LyeTx I derivatives, HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) and LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification), were synthesized by Fmoc strategy and purified by RP-HPLC. The purified products were assessed by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Microbiological assays were performed against S. aureus (ATCC® 6538) and E. coli (ATCC® 10536) in liquid medium to calculate the MIC. The radiolabeling procedure of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC with 99mTc was performed in the presence of co-ligands (tricine and EDDA) and reducing agent (SnCl2. 2H2O), and standardized taking into account the amount of peptide, reducing agent, pH and heating. Radiochemical purity analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel strips and the radiolabeled compound was assessed by RP-HPLC and radioactivity measurement of the collected fractions. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p-values 0.05). Results Both LyeTx I derivatives were suitably synthesized and purified, as shown by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. The microbiological test showed that HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) did not inhibit bacterial growth, whereas LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification) showed a MIC of 5.05 mol.L1 (S. aureus) and 10.10 mol.L1 (E. coli). Thus, only the latter was radiolabeled with 99mTc. The radiochemical purity analysis of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC-99mTc showed that the optimal radiolabeling conditions (10 g of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC; 250 g of SnCl2. 2H2O; pH = 7; heating for 15 min) yielded a radiochemical purity of 87 ± 1 % (n= 3). However, RP-HPLC data suggested 99mTc transchelation from LyeTx I-K-HYNIC to the co-ligands (tricine and EDDA). Conclusions The binding of HYNIC to the N-terminal portion of LyeTx I seems to affect its activity against bacteria. Nevertheless, the radiolabeling of the C-terminal derivative, LyeTx I-K-HYNIC, must be better investigated to optimize the radiolabeled compound, in order to use it as a specific imaging agent to distinguish septic and aseptic inflammation.(AU)

Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of two peptide LyeTx I derivatives modified with the chelating agent HYNIC for radiolabeling with technetium-99m

Current diagnostic methods and imaging techniques are not able to differentiate septic and aseptic inflammation. Thus, reliable methods are sought to provide this distinction and scintigraphic imaging is an interesting option, since it is based on physiological changes. In this context, radiolabeled antimicrobial peptides have been investigated as they accumulate in infectious sites instead of aseptic inflammation. The peptide LyeTx I, from the venom of Lycosa erythrognatha, has potent antimicrobial activity. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize LyeTx I derivatives with the chelating compound HYNIC, to evaluate their antimicrobial activity and to radiolabel them with 99mTc. Methods Two LyeTx I derivatives, HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) and LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification), were synthesized by Fmoc strategy and purified by RP-HPLC. The purified products were assessed by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. Microbiological assays were performed against S. aureus (ATCC® 6538) and E. coli (ATCC® 10536) in liquid medium to calculate the MIC. The radiolabeling procedure of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC with 99mTc was performed in the presence of co-ligands (tricine and EDDA) and reducing agent (SnCl2. 2H2O), and standardized taking into account the amount of peptide, reducing agent, pH and heating. Radiochemical purity analysis was performed by thin-layer chromatography on silica gel strips and the radiolabeled compound was assessed by RP-HPLC and radioactivity measurement of the collected fractions. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p-values 0.05). Results Both LyeTx I derivatives were suitably synthesized and purified, as shown by RP-HPLC and MALDI-ToF-MS analysis. The microbiological test showed that HYNIC-LyeTx I (N-terminal modification) did not inhibit bacterial growth, whereas LyeTx I-K-HYNIC (C-terminal modification) showed a MIC of 5.05 mol.L1 (S. aureus) and 10.10 mol.L1 (E. coli). Thus, only the latter was radiolabeled with 99mTc. The radiochemical purity analysis of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC-99mTc showed that the optimal radiolabeling conditions (10 g of LyeTx I-K-HYNIC; 250 g of SnCl2. 2H2O; pH = 7; heating for 15 min) yielded a radiochemical purity of 87 ± 1 % (n= 3). However, RP-HPLC data suggested 99mTc transchelation from LyeTx I-K-HYNIC to the co-ligands (tricine and EDDA). Conclusions The binding of HYNIC to the N-terminal portion of LyeTx I seems to affect its activity against bacteria. Nevertheless, the radiolabeling of the C-terminal derivative, LyeTx I-K-HYNIC, must be better investigated to optimize the radiolabeled compound, in order to use it as a specific imaging agent to distinguish septic and aseptic inflammation.

The History of Venomous Spider Identification, Venom Extraction Methods and Antivenom Production: a Long Journey at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil

The article provides a historical report on venomous spider identification, venom obtainment methods and serum production at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. It is based on literature and personnal experience during the last 50 years. This result is the discovery that the real species causing potential severe human accidents were the spiders of the genus Loxosceles and Phoneutria.(AU)

The history of venomous spider identification, venom extraction methods and antivenom production: a long journey at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil

The article provides a historical report on venomous spider identification, venom obtainment methods and serum production at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. It is based on literature and personnal experience during the last 50 years. This result is the discovery that the real species causing potential severe human accidents were the spiders of the genus Loxosceles and Phoneutria.(AU)

The history of venomous spider identification, venom extraction methods and antivenom production: a long journey at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil

The article provides a historical report on venomous spider identification, venom obtainment methods and serum production at the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. It is based on literature and personnal experience during the last 50 years. This result is the discovery that the real species causing potential severe human accidents were the spiders of the genus Loxosceles and Phoneutria.

Aracnidae diversity in soil cultivated with corn (Zea mays) / Diversidade de aranhas de solo em cultivos de milho (Zea mays)

Studies carried out on the diversity and abundance of spiders may provide a rich information base on the degree of integrity of agricultural systems where they are found. In transgenic corn, Bacillus thuringiensis proteins are expressed in great amounts in plant tissues and may affect arthropod communities. Thus, the main goal of this work was to identify the spider diversity associated to transgenic and conventional corn hybrids. Pitfall collections were performed in conventional and transgenic corn plots during the 2010/2011 crop season, at the experimental field of the Agronomy Course of the University of Cruz Alta, RS. A total of 559 spiders were collected, from which 263 were adults and 296 young individuals. In the transgenic corn 266 spiders were collected and in the conventional one 293. Eleven families were determined and the adult individuals grouped in 27 morphospecies. Families with the largest number of representatives were Linyphiidae (29.70%), Theridiidae (5.72%) and Lycosidae (5.01%). The most abundant morphospecies were Lyniphiidae sp. with 77 individuals, Erigone sp. with 40 individuals, Lynyphiidae sp. with 33 individuals, Theridiidae sp. with 21 individuals, Lycosa erythrognatha with 14 individuals and Lycosidae sp. with 13 individuals. The Shannon Diversity Index was higher for transgenic corn (H =1.01) in February and smaller (H=0.54) in the December collectionin the conventional corn, and the Margaleff Richness Index showed higher diversity in December andFebruary for the conventional corn (M=18.3), and smaller diversity for the transgenic corn in November(M=11.3). Families were classified in five guilds; two weavers: Irregular web builders and sheet webbuilders, and three hunter guilds: Night soil runners, ambush spiders and aerial night runners. Therelative proportion of the spiders morphospecies found in this research, as well as the guilds, suggestthat this group may not have been affected by the genetically modified corn.

Estudos sobre a diversidade e abundância de aranhas podem prover uma rica base de informações sobre o grau de integridade dos sistemas agrícolas em que se encontram. No milho transgênico as proteínas de Bacillus thuringiensis são expressas em grandes quantidades nos tecidos verdes das plantas, podendo afetar a comunidade de artrópodes. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a diversidade de aranhas associadas às cultivares de milho transgênico e convencional. Foram realizadas coletas com pitfall em talhões de milho Transgênico e Convencional durante todo o ciclo da cultura, em Cruz Alta, RS. Foram coletadas 559 aranhas, sendo 266 aranhas no milho transgênico e 293 aranhas no milho convencional. Foi determinado um total de 11 famílias e os indivíduos adultos distribuídos em 27 morfoespécies. As famílias com o maior número de representantes foram Linyphiidae (29,70%), Theridiidae (5,72%) e Lycosidae (5,01%). As morfoespécies mais abundantes foram Linyphiidae sp. 23 com 77 indivíduos, Erigone sp. com 40 indivíduos, Linyphiidae sp. 1 com 33 indivíduos, Theridiidae sp. 1 com 21 indivíduos, Lycosa erytrhognatha com 14 indivíduos e Lycosidae sp. 1 com 13 indivíduos. O índice de diversidade de Shannon foi maior para o milho transgênico (H=1.01) em fevereiro e menor (H=0.54) na coleta de dezembro no milho convencional o índice de riqueza de Margaleff demonstroumaior diversidade em dezembro e fevereiro para o milho Convencional (M=18,3), e menor diversidadepara o milho Transgênico no mês de novembro (M=11,3). As famílias foram classificadas em guildas,duas guildas de tecelãs: Construtora de Teia Irregular e Construtoras de Teia em Lençol, e três guildas decaçadoras, Corredoras Noturnas de Solo, Caçadoras por Emboscada e as Corredoras Aéreas Noturnas.A proporção relativa das morfoespécies de aranhas encontradas neste trabalho, assim como as guildassugere que este grupo pode não estar sendo afetado pelas proteínas do milho geneticamente modificado.

Aracnidae diversity in soil cultivated with corn (Zea mays) / Diversidade de aranhas de solo em cultivos de milho (Zea mays)

Studies carried out on the diversity and abundance of spiders may provide a rich information base on the degree of integrity of agricultural systems where they are found. In transgenic corn, Bacillus thuringiensis proteins are expressed in great amounts in plant tissues and may affect arthropod communities. Thus, the main goal of this work was to identify the spider diversity associated to transgenic and conventional corn hybrids. Pitfall collections were performed in conventional and transgenic corn plots during the 2010/2011 crop season, at the experimental field of the Agronomy Course of the University of Cruz Alta, RS. A total of 559 spiders were collected, from which 263 were adults and 296 young individuals. In the transgenic corn 266 spiders were collected and in the conventional one 293. Eleven families were determined and the adult individuals grouped in 27 morphospecies. Families with the largest number of representatives were Linyphiidae (29.70%), Theridiidae (5.72%) and Lycosidae (5.01%). The most abundant morphospecies were Lyniphiidae sp. with 77 individuals, Erigone sp. with 40 individuals, Lynyphiidae sp. with 33 individuals, Theridiidae sp. with 21 individuals, Lycosa erythrognatha with 14 individuals and Lycosidae sp. with 13 individuals. The Shannon Diversity Index was higher for transgenic corn (H =1.01) in February and smaller (H=0.54) in the December collectionin the conventional corn, and the Margaleff Richness Index showed higher diversity in December andFebruary for the conventional corn (M=18.3), and smaller diversity for the transgenic corn in November(M=11.3). Families were classified in five guilds; two weavers: Irregular web builders and sheet webbuilders, and three hunter guilds: Night soil runners, ambush spiders and aerial night runners. Therelative proportion of the spiders morphospecies found in this research, as well as the guilds, suggestthat this group may not have been affected by the genetically modified corn.(AU)

Estudos sobre a diversidade e abundância de aranhas podem prover uma rica base de informações sobre o grau de integridade dos sistemas agrícolas em que se encontram. No milho transgênico as proteínas de Bacillus thuringiensis são expressas em grandes quantidades nos tecidos verdes das plantas, podendo afetar a comunidade de artrópodes. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar a diversidade de aranhas associadas às cultivares de milho transgênico e convencional. Foram realizadas coletas com pitfall em talhões de milho Transgênico e Convencional durante todo o ciclo da cultura, em Cruz Alta, RS. Foram coletadas 559 aranhas, sendo 266 aranhas no milho transgênico e 293 aranhas no milho convencional. Foi determinado um total de 11 famílias e os indivíduos adultos distribuídos em 27 morfoespécies. As famílias com o maior número de representantes foram Linyphiidae (29,70%), Theridiidae (5,72%) e Lycosidae (5,01%). As morfoespécies mais abundantes foram Linyphiidae sp. 23 com 77 indivíduos, Erigone sp. com 40 indivíduos, Linyphiidae sp. 1 com 33 indivíduos, Theridiidae sp. 1 com 21 indivíduos, Lycosa erytrhognatha com 14 indivíduos e Lycosidae sp. 1 com 13 indivíduos. O índice de diversidade de Shannon foi maior para o milho transgênico (H=1.01) em fevereiro e menor (H=0.54) na coleta de dezembro no milho convencional o índice de riqueza de Margaleff demonstroumaior diversidade em dezembro e fevereiro para o milho Convencional (M=18,3), e menor diversidadepara o milho Transgênico no mês de novembro (M=11,3). As famílias foram classificadas em guildas,duas guildas de tecelãs: Construtora de Teia Irregular e Construtoras de Teia em Lençol, e três guildas decaçadoras, Corredoras Noturnas de Solo, Caçadoras por Emboscada e as Corredoras Aéreas Noturnas.A proporção relativa das morfoespécies de aranhas encontradas neste trabalho, assim como as guildassugere que este grupo pode não estar sendo afetado pelas proteínas do milho geneticamente modificado.(AU)

Redescription of Avicularia taunayi and notes on its habitat and geographical distribution (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Aviculariinae)

We redescribe the poorly known tarantula species Avicularia taunayi (Mello-Leitão, 1920) and present information on its geographical distribution and habits. The spermatheca of the female is unusual for the genus: short, broad, with a median slight curvature and lobes on its basal, median and distal portions. The male resembles other Avicularia species but can be distinguished by the presence of a tibial apophysis on leg I in conjunction with legs I and IV having roughly the same length and the presence of pale rings on the distal femora, tibiae and metatarsi. Additionally, males and females have three pairs of light brown spots extending from the dorsum to the lateral region of the abdomen. Avicularia taunayi is found in the Brazilian Cerrado, a savannah-like biome. It is one of the aviculariine species with the southernmost distribution, reaching as far South as the Tropic of Capricorn.(AU)

Morphological characterization of the venom apparatus in the wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis (Laxmann, 1770)

The wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis (Laxmann, 1770) (Lycosidae: Araneae) is distributed throughout central and eastern Europe, including Russia, Kazakhistan and Turkey. This study describes the venom apparatus morphology of L. singoriensis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its structure follows the general architecture observed in other spiders. Generally, a venom apparatus is composed by a pair of venom glands and chelicerae. L. singoriensis chelicerae are robust and consist of a stout basis and a movable apical segment (fang). The fang rests in a groove on the basal segment that is covered by different types of hair. L. singoriensis venom glands present equal size and measure about 4 mm in length. Each gland is enclosed by irregular muscular layers.

Biochemical and pharmacological study of venom of the wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis

The wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis is a large and venomous spider distributed throughout northwestern China. Like other spider venoms, the wolf spider venom is a chemical cocktail. Its protein content is 0.659 mg protein/mg crude venom as determined by the Lowry method. MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that the venom peptides are highly diverse and may be divided into three groups characterized by three independent molecular ranges: 2,000 to 2,500 Da, 4,800 to 5,500 Da and 7,000 to 8,000 Da, respectively. This molecular distribution differs substantially from those of most spider venoms studied so far. This wolf spider venom has low neurotoxic action on mice, but it can induce hemolysis of human erythrocytes. Furthermore, the venom shows antimicrobial activity against prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Morphological characterization of the venom apparatus in the wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis (Laxmann, 1770)

The wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis (Laxmann, 1770) (Lycosidae: Araneae) is distributed throughout central and eastern Europe, including Russia, Kazakhistan and Turkey. This study describes the venom apparatus morphology of L. singoriensis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its structure follows the general architecture observed in other spiders. Generally, a venom apparatus is composed by a pair of venom glands and chelicerae. L. singoriensis chelicerae are robust and consist of a stout basis and a movable apical segment (fang). The fang rests in a groove on the basal segment that is covered by different types of hair. L. singoriensis venom glands present equal size and measure about 4 mm in length. Each gland is enclosed by irregular muscular layers.(AU)

Biochemical and pharmacological study of venom of the wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis

The wolf spider Lycosa singoriensis is a large and venomous spider distributed throughout northwestern China. Like other spider venoms, the wolf spider venom is a chemical cocktail. Its protein content is 0.659 mg protein/mg crude venom as determined by the Lowry method. MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that the venom peptides are highly diverse and may be divided into three groups characterized by three independent molecular ranges: 2,000 to 2,500 Da, 4,800 to 5,500 Da and 7,000 to 8,000 Da, respectively. This molecular distribution differs substantially from those of most spider venoms studied so far. This wolf spider venom has low neurotoxic action on mice, but it can induce hemolysis of human erythrocytes. Furthermore, the venom shows antimicrobial activity against prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.(AU)