Centipede envenomation (Chilopoda): Case report

ABSTRACT Centipedes are venomous arthropods that have an elongated body, divided into many segments, presenting a pair of legs in each segment, adapted pairs of paws that simulate fangs and inject venom causing intense pain, with local erythema and edema, and rarely, blisters and skin necrosis. We present the case of a young woman pricked on her upper lip with intense swelling and local pain and discuss the real danger of envenomation and the therapeutic measures that should be taken.

Recombinant Production and Characterization of a New Toxin from Cryptops iheringi Centipede Venom Revealed by Proteome and Transcriptome Analysis.

Among the Chilopoda class of centipede, the Cryptops genus is one of the most associated with envenomation in humans in the metropolitan region of the state of São Paulo. To date, there is no study in the literature about the toxins present in its venom. Thus, in this work, a transcriptomic characterization of the Cryptops iheringi venom gland, as well as a proteomic analysis of its venom, were performed to obtain a toxin profile of this species. These methods indicated that 57.9% of the sequences showed to be putative toxins unknown in public databases; among them, we pointed out a novel putative toxin named Cryptoxin-1. The recombinant form of this new toxin was able to promote edema in mice footpads with massive neutrophils infiltration, linking this toxin to envenomation symptoms observed in accidents with humans. Our findings may elucidate the role of this toxin in the venom, as well as the possibility to explore other proteins found in this work.

Recombinant production and characterization of a new toxin from cryptops iheringi centipede venom revealed by proteome and transcriptome analysis

Among the Chilopoda class of centipede, the Cryptops genus is one of the most associated with envenomation in humans in the metropolitan region of the state of São Paulo. To date, there is no study in the literature about the toxins present in its venom. Thus, in this work, a transcriptomic characterization of the Cryptops iheringi venom gland, as well as a proteomic analysis of its venom, were performed to obtain a toxin profile of this species. These methods indicated that 57.9% of the sequences showed to be putative toxins unknown in public databases; among them, we pointed out a novel putative toxin named Cryptoxin-1. The recombinant form of this new toxin was able to promote edema in mice footpads with massive neutrophils infiltration, linking this toxin to envenomation symptoms observed in accidents with humans. Our findings may elucidate the role of this toxin in the venom, as well as the possibility to explore other proteins found in this work.

On the identity of the centipede Sogona cyclareata Attems, 1947 (Geophilomorpha, Geophilidae).

The type material of Sogona cyclareata Attems, 1947 is revised. The syntype shares characters with representatives of the family Schendylidae and not the Geophilidae to which it is currently assigned. The species has the claw of the second maxillae pectinate and the labrum not divided into median and lateral portions. Sogona cyclareata presents also characters of the genus Schendylops Cook, 1899 such as the presence of two pores in each coxopleuron, ultimate legs without claws, and the arrangement of the sternal pores-fields. No Schendylops species known to date has the characters of S. cyclareata, so we propose the new combination Schendylops cyclareatus.

Conservation of terrestrial invertebrates: a review of IUCN and regional Red Lists for Myriapoda.

Red Listing of Threatened species is recognized as the most objective approach for evaluating extinction risk of living organisms which can be applied at global or national scales. Invertebrates account for nearly 97% of all animals on the planet but are insufficiently represented in the IUCN Red Lists at both scales. To analyze the occurrence of species present in regional Red Lists, accounts of 48 different countries and regions all over the world were consulted and all data about myriapods (Myriapoda) ever assessed in Red Lists at any level assembled. Myriapod species assessments were found in eleven regional Red Lists; however, no overlap between the species included in the global IUCN Red List and the regional ones was established. This means that myriapod species considered threatened at regional level may not be eligible for international funding specific for protection of native threatened species (more than US$ 25 million were available in the last decade) as most financial instruments tend to support only threatened species included in the IUCN Red List. As the lack of financial resources may limit protection for species in risk of extinction, it is urgent to increase the possibilities of getting financial support for implementation of measures for their protection. A Red List of all Myriapoda species recorded in Red Lists at national or local (596) and global (210) scales totaling 806 species is presented. This list shows for the first time an overview of the current conservation status of Myriapoda species. Here, the urgent need of establishing a Myriapoda Specialist Group in the Species Survival Commission of IUCN is also stressed.

A new centipede Schendylops Cook from eastern Brazil: the first troglobitic geophilomorph for South America (Geophilomorpha, Schendylidae).

Schendylops janelao sp. n. is described from a limestone cave located in eastern Brazil. There are several reports of geophilomorphs in Brazilian caves, however, the new species represents the first troglobite species for South America and the first for Gruta do Janelão Cave, northern Minas Gerais State. Schendylops janelao sp. n. is described based on a male specimen and differs from its congeners by a combination of 10 characters. We discuss the character-states related to subterranean life and the conservation status of the species.

First report of a blue hue Schendylops (Geophilomorpha, Schendylidae), with a description of a new species from Southeastern Brazil.

The first report of a blue colored body in schendylid specimens is presented based on a description of Schendylops turmalina sp. nov. recorded from Southeastern Brazil. The female holotype is described and illustrated, and the variations observed in male paratypes and in a juvenile male from the same locality are given. The new species is characterized by having adults with an uninterrupted series of sternal pore-fields, from the first to the penultimate leg-bearing segments, undivided on the anterior and posterior part of the body and divided into two sub-symmetrical areas in the middle region. This characteristic can also be observed in Schendylops tropicus, S. coscaroni, S. parahyhae, S. inquilinus, S. grismadoi and S. demelloi. However, in addition to the blue hue present between the first and ultimate leg-bearing segments, S. turmalina sp. nov. differs from all the aforementioned species in having the following unique characteristics: antennae less than 2.5 times the length of the cephalic plate in both male and female; posterior margin of mid-part of labrum near-straight; forcipular tarsungulum with the internal edge serrate; tarsus 2 of the ultimate pair of legs with an apical tubercle which has two pore-like sensilla and is surrounded by two larger sensilla.

Choosing sampling methods for Chilopoda, Diplopoda and Isopoda (Oniscidea): a case study for ferruginous landscapes in Brazilian Amazonia

The edaphic fauna plays an important role in the organic matter dynamics of the soil. Millipeds (Diplopoda),centipeds (Chilopoda) and isopods (Isopoda) are among the main components of the soil fauna. Vegetationstructure represents one of the main factors influencing composition and diversity of these species that inhabitleaf litter and soil, what is particularly important in the Amazon Forest, where there are several singular ve-getation types. Savannah and forest areas stand out in ferruginous hills, which represents one of the most poorlyknown and highly threatened ecosystems in the Amazon. However, sampling the edaphic fauna in high diversitysites represents a challenging task. Studies have shown that sampling method may influence observed patterns ofdiversity. From this perspective, the present study aimed to (i) investigate whether assemblages of Chilopoda,Diplopoda and Isopoda differ between vegetation types in the Amazon, (ii) indicate how biological parametersbehave in such communities, (iii) identify which method or combination of methods is better suited to samplespecies richness and (iv) quantify the efficiency of each method regarding time of work and cost. Sampling wasconducted by means of hand collection, leaf litter collection, hay-bait traps and soil sampling in four patches,two in the savannah (also called canga) and two in the forest. Richness was higher in forest habitats forChilopoda and Diplopoda, while for Isopoda there was no significant difference. Species composition also dif-fered between vegetation types for Chilopoda and Isopoda, but not for Diplopoda. Beta diversity between ve-getation types was mainly determined by nestedness and balancing, while turnover was the main beta diversitycomponent responsible for differences among methods. Soil sampling and hand collection added more species tothe samples, therefore, this combination was the most efficient to access diversity. Our results support thehypothesis that differences in the soil cover promoted by distinct vegetation types influence the species diversityand composition of edaphic fauna. The differences were mainly determined by nestedness and balancing, in-dicating that the fauna sampled in the canga represents a subset of those present in the surrounding forest. In thissense, even in ecosystems with distinct vegetation types, the combination of soil and surface sampling methods isrecommended. Lastly, the present study proposes a set of decision rules and a key to select the most appropriatemethod to sample the studied taxonomic groups

First report of a blue hue Schendylops (Geophilomorpha, Schendylidae), with a description of a new species from Southeastern Brazil

The first report of a blue colored body in schendylid specimens is presented based on a description of Schendylops turmalina sp. nov. recorded from Southeastern Brazil. The female holotype is described and illustrated, and the variations observed in male paratypes and in a juvenile male from the same locality are given. The new species is characterized by having adults with an uninterrupted series of sternal pore-fields, from the first to the penultimate leg-bearing segments, undivided on the anterior and posterior part of the body and divided into two sub-symmetrical areas in the middle region. This characteristic can also be observed in Schendylops tropicus, S. coscaroni, S. parahyhae, S. inquilinus, S. grismadoi and S. demelloi. However, in addition to the blue hue present between the first and ultimate leg-bearing segments, S. turmalina sp. nov. differs from all the aforementioned species in having the following unique characteristics: antennae less than 2.5 times the length of the cephalic plate in both male and female; posterior margin of mid-part of labrum nearstraight; forcipular tarsungulum with the internal edge serrate; tarsus 2 of the ultimate pair of legs with an apical tubercle which has two pore-like sensilla and is surrounded by two larger sensilla.

Myriapods (Arthropoda, Myriapoda) in the Pantanal of Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Miriápodes (Arthropoda, Myriapoda) do Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Abstract: The Brazilian Pantanal biome is one of the largest and most important floodplains in the world by virtue of its biodiversity and indispensable ecological services on local, regional, and global scales. Despite this importance, many gaps remain concerning its biodiversity as well as its generation and maintenance mechanisms. In view of expanding the information about its biological diversity, we compiled a list of Myriapoda (Arthropoda) species occurring in the Pantanal of Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil, based on the records from literature and on the specimens available in the zoological collections of Federal University of Mato Grosso -UFMT. A total of 33 Myriapoda species were recorded in the region. The Diplopoda species (20 spp.; 60.6%) are distributed 'between four orders: Polydesmida, represented by five families (Chelodesmidae, notably, with three species; Paradoxosomatidae and Pyrgodesmidae, with two species each; and Cyrtodesmidae and Fuhrmannodesmidae, with one species each, recently recorded in the region); Spirostreptida, represented by Spirostreptidae, with eight species; Spirobolida, with two species (one Rhinocricidae and one not identified); and Polyxenida. The Chilopoda (10 spp.; 30.3%) belong to three orders: Scolopendromorpha, with four species of the family Scolopendridae, two Scolopocryptopidae species, and one Cryptopidae species; Geophilomorpha, with the families Aphilodontidae and Schendylidae, with one species each; and Lithobiomorpha, with one Henicopidae species. Symphyla was represented by only two species (6.1%) of the family Scutigerellidae; and Pauropoda (3.0%) by a single species of Pauropodidae. The Myriapoda species richness, as well as the high number of new records in recent studies reinforce the importance of the northern region of the Pantanal biome as a diversity center with potential priority for measures aimed at the conservation of its many habitats.

Resumo: O Pantanal de Mato Grosso é uma das maiores e mais importantes planícies de inundação do mundo, em relação à sua biodiversidade e aos seus indispensáveis serviços ecológicos em escalas locais, regionais e globais. Apesar dessa importância, existem, ainda, muitas lacunas sobre o conhecimento de sua biodiversidade, bem como de seus mecanismos geradores e mantenedores. Desse modo, a fim de contribuir com o conhecimento de sua diversidade biológica compilamos, com base na literatura e em espécimes disponíveis nas coleções e acervos zoológicos da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso-UFMT, uma lista de espécies de miriápodes (Arthropoda, Myriapoda) ocorrentes no Pantanal de Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brasil. Um total de 33 espécies de Myriapoda foi registrado como ocorrentes nessa região. As espécies de Diplopoda (20 spp.; 60,6%), estão distribuídas em quatro ordens. Polydesmida está representada por cinco famílias, com destaque para Chelodesmidae com três espécies, Paradoxosomatidae e Pyrgodesmidae, com duas espécies cada, além de Cyrtodesmidae e Fuhrmannodesmidae, com uma espécie cada, recentemente registradas para essa região; Spirostrepida representada por Spirostreptidae, com oito espécies; Spirobolida, com duas espécies (uma Rhinocricidae e uma não identificada); e Polyxenida. Os Chilopoda (10 spp.; 30,3%) estão distribuídos em três ordens: Scolopendromorpha, com quatro espécies da família Scolopendridae, duas espécies de Scolopocryptopidae e uma espécie de Cryptopidae; Geophilomorpha, com as famílias Aphilodontidae e Schendylidae, com uma espécie cada; e Lithobiomorpha, com uma única espécie de Henicopidae. Symphyla foi representada por apenas duas espécies (6,1%) da família Scutigerellidae e Pauropoda (3,0%) por uma única espécie de Pauropodidae. A riqueza de espécies de Myriapoda, bem como a alta proporção de novos registros em estudos recentes, reforçam a importância da região norte do Pantanal como um centro de diversidade com potencial prioridade às medidas de conservação de seus variados habitats.

Taxonomic reassessment and redescription of Scolopendra arthrorhabdoides Ribaut, 1913, with a discussion on its related species (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae).

Scolopendra arthrorhabdoides Ribaut, 1913 is redescribed based on fresh material. Its taxonomic status is evaluated and compared with Scolopendra armata Kraepelin, 1903 and Scolopendra alternans Leach, 1816. The geographical distribution of S. arthrorhabdoides is also revised. Scolopendra armata is reported from Colombia for the first time.

A new high-altitude species of centipede from the Andes of Ecuador (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha, Schendylidae).

Pectiniunguis aequatorialis sp. nov. (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Schendylidae) is described and illustrated on the basis of specimens collected in the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve in the High Andes of Ecuador. The new species is characterized by having ventral pore-fields on the anterior region of the trunk only, a trait that is shared by a single Neotropical congener: Pectiniunguis ascendens Pereira, Minelli Barbieri, 1994 to which it is similar and is compared taxonomically. This is only the second report of a species of the genus Pectiniunguis Bollman, 1889 from mainland Ecuador. The other taxon is Pectiniunguis roigi Pereira, Foddai Minelli, 2001, so far only known from the type locality, Limoncocha (Sucumbíos Province), and herein reported for the first time from Parque Nacional Sumaco Napo-Galeras (Napo Province).

A review of Newportia species in the subgenus Newportides Chamberlin, 1921 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae, Newportiinae).

Five Newportia species with a claw-shaped pretarsus of the ultimate legs are revised. Newportia amazonica Brolemann, 1904, N. unguifer Chamberlin, 1921, and N. pilosa González-Sponga, 1997 are redescribed; N. tetraspinae González-Sponga, 1997 is considered to be a junior synonym of N. unguifer, and N. guaiquinimensis González-Sponga, 2000 is considered to be a junior synonym of N. pilosa. All synonyms proposed are based on the structure of ultimate legs. The subgenus Newportides is revalidated based on the presence of claw-shaped pretarsus of ultimate legs.

Predation of bat (Molossus molossus: Molossidae) by the centipede Scolopendra viridicornis (Scolopendridae) in Southern Amazonia / Predação de morcego (Molossus molossus: Molossidae) pela centopeia Scolopendra viridicornis (Scolopendridae) no sul da Amazônia

Centipedes are opportunistic carnivore predators, and large species can feed on a wide variety of vertebrates, including bats. The aim of this study was to report the third record of bat predation by centipedes worldwide, the first record in the Amazon region, while covering aspects of foraging, capture and handling of prey. We observed the occurence in a fortuitous encounter at Cristalino State Park, located in the Amazon region of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The attack took place in a small wooden structure, at about three meters from the floor, and was observed for 20 minutes. During the observation, the centipede stung the neck and abdominal region of the bat several times, grabbing the prey with its 15 pairs of front legs while hanging from the ceiling with its hind legs. This type of observation suggests that vertebrates can be important preys for invertebrates such as giant centipedes, both for its nutritional composition and for the amount of energy available in a single prey.(AU)

Centopeias são predadores carnívoros oportunistas e grandes espécies podem se alimentar de uma grande variedade de vertebrados, inclusive de morcegos. O objetivo desse trabalho é reportar o terceiro registro de predação de morcego por centopeia, e o primeiro para a região Amazônica, abrangendo aspectos do forrageamento, captura e manipulação da presa. O registro foi realizado de forma fortuita, no Parque Estadual do Cristalino, região de Floresta Amazônica, no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. O ataque ocorreu em uma estrutura de madeira a cerca de três metros de altura e foi observado por 20 minutos. Durante a observação, a centopeia picou várias vezes o pescoço e região abdominal do morcego, agarrando a presa com seus 15 pares de pernas anteriores e se pendurando ao teto com as pernas posteriores. Esse tipo de observação sugere que vertebrados podem ser importantes presas para invertebrados, como centopeias gigantes, tanto por sua composição nutricional quanto pela quantidade de energia disponível em uma única presa.(AU)

Predation of bat (Molossus molossus: Molossidae) by the centipede Scolopendra viridicornis (Scolopendridae) in Southern Amazonia / Predação de morcego (Molossus molossus: Molossidae) pela centopeia Scolopendra viridicornis (Scolopendridae) no sul da Amazônia

Centipedes are opportunistic carnivore predators, and large species can feed on a wide variety of vertebrates, including bats. The aim of this study was to report the third record of bat predation by centipedes worldwide, the first record in the Amazon region, while covering aspects of foraging, capture and handling of prey. We observed the occurence in a fortuitous encounter at Cristalino State Park, located in the Amazon region of the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. The attack took place in a small wooden structure, at about three meters from the floor, and was observed for 20 minutes. During the observation, the centipede stung the neck and abdominal region of the bat several times, grabbing the prey with its 15 pairs of front legs while hanging from the ceiling with its hind legs. This type of observation suggests that vertebrates can be important preys for invertebrates such as giant centipedes, both for its nutritional composition and for the amount of energy available in a single prey.

Centopeias são predadores carnívoros oportunistas e grandes espécies podem se alimentar de uma grande variedade de vertebrados, inclusive de morcegos. O objetivo desse trabalho é reportar o terceiro registro de predação de morcego por centopeia, e o primeiro para a região Amazônica, abrangendo aspectos do forrageamento, captura e manipulação da presa. O registro foi realizado de forma fortuita, no Parque Estadual do Cristalino, região de Floresta Amazônica, no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil. O ataque ocorreu em uma estrutura de madeira a cerca de três metros de altura e foi observado por 20 minutos. Durante a observação, a centopeia picou várias vezes o pescoço e região abdominal do morcego, agarrando a presa com seus 15 pares de pernas anteriores e se pendurando ao teto com as pernas posteriores. Esse tipo de observação sugere que vertebrados podem ser importantes presas para invertebrados, como centopeias gigantes, tanto por sua composição nutricional quanto pela quantidade de energia disponível em uma única presa.

A new species of Scolopocryptops Newport: a troglobitic scolopocryptopine centipede from a remarkable siliciclastic area of eastern Brazil (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopocryptopidae, Scolopocryptopinae).

We describe Scolopocryptopstroglocaudatus sp. n., a new troglobitic scolopocryptopine centipede species. The species was found in a remarkable siliciclastic karst area of Eastern Brazil, in three caves of the Chapada da Diamantina, in the state of Bahia. Scolopocryptopstroglocaudatus sp. n. is close to Scolopocryptopsmiersii Newport, 1845 and Scolopocryptopsferrugineusmacrodon (Kraepelin, 1903) but differs from them by troglomorphic features, such as depigmentation, long appendages and a thin cuticle. This new species is the second troglobitic scolopocryptopine described and is the first discovered in Brazil.

A redescription of Rhysida celeris (Humbert & Saussure, 1870), with a proposal of eight new synonyms (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae, Otostigminae).

Seven species of the genus Rhysida Wood, 1862 from Venezuela and one subspecies from Peru described by Manuel Angel González Sponga and Wolfgang Bücherl respectively, are revised. Rhysida caripensis González-Sponga, 2002, Rhysida neoespartana González-Sponga, 2002, Rhysida guayanica González-Sponga, 2002, Rhysida maritima González-Sponga, 2002, Rhysida monaguensis González-Sponga, 2002, Rhysida porlamarensis González-Sponga 2002, Rhysida sucupanensis González-Sponga, 2002 and Rhysida celeris andina Bücherl, 1953 are junior synonyms of Rhysida celeris (Humbert & Saussure, 1870), which is redescribed and illustrated for the first time. Its geographic distribution is updated and a map showing its distribution is presented.

Discovery of a second geophilomorph species (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) having twenty-seven leg-bearing segments, the lowest number recorded up to the present in the centipede order Geophilomorpha

Schendylops ramirezi sp. nov. (Myriapoda: Chilopoda), a tiny schendylid centipede (from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil), is hereby described and illustrated based on the female holotype, male and female paratypes, and additional non-type specimens. This discovery represents the second geophilomorph species characterized by having twenty-seven leg-bearing segments, the lowest number recorded up to the present in the chilopod order Geophilomorpha. So far, this number of pairs of legs (27) had only been found in a single (male) specimen of Schendylops oligopus (Pereira, Minelli & Barbieri, 1995), collected in the vicinity of Manaus, Central Amazon (Brazil). New distribution records for S. oligopus (with which the new species is herein compared in detail), together with complementary descriptive notes and new illustrations are also given. Undiluted 2-Phenoxyethanol (CAS No. 122-99-6) has been used as an effective clearing agent and mounting medium for the preparation of temporary mounts of the examined specimens.

Discovery of a second geophilomorph species (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) having twenty-seven leg-bearing segments, the lowest number recorded up to the present in the centipede order Geophilomorpha

Schendylops ramirezi sp. nov. (Myriapoda: Chilopoda), a tiny schendylid centipede (from Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil), is hereby described and illustrated based on the female holotype, male and female paratypes, and additional non-type specimens. This discovery represents the second geophilomorph species characterized by having twenty-seven leg-bearing segments, the lowest number recorded up to the present in the chilopod order Geophilomorpha. So far, this number of pairs of legs (27) had only been found in a single (male) specimen of Schendylops oligopus (Pereira, Minelli & Barbieri, 1995), collected in the vicinity of Manaus, Central Amazon (Brazil). New distribution records for S. oligopus (with which the new species is herein compared in detail), together with complementary descriptive notes and new illustrations are also given. Undiluted 2-Phenoxyethanol (CAS No. 122-99-6) has been used as an effective clearing agent and mounting medium for the preparation of temporary mounts of the examined specimens.(AU)

Listado de especies de ciempiés (Myriapoda, Chilopoda) conocidas en Venezuela / Checklist of centipede species (Myriapoda, Chilopoda) known from Venezuela

Se muestra un listado revisado y actualizado de los centípedos o ciempiés (Myriapoda, Chilopoda) registrados en Venezuela. Hasta el presente se conocen 90 especies y dos subespecies, agrupadas en 22 géneros, 11 familias y cuatro órdenes (Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, Geophilomorpha). De éstas, 68 (73,91%) especies/subespecies son consideradas endémicas. Se comenta sobre su importancia médica, y las necesidades de investigación en el país.

A revised and updated checklist of the centipedes (Myriapoda, Chilopoda) registered from Venezuela is shown. Up untill now, 90 centipede species and two subspecies have been recorded, grouped into 22 genus forming 11 families and four orders (Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, Geophilomorpha). Of these, 68 (73,91%) species/subspecies appear to be considered as endemic. Medical relevance and research needs on the Venezuelan class Chilopoda, is discussed.