Venom biotechnology: casting light on nature’s deadliest weapons using synthetic biology

Venoms are complex chemical arsenals that have evolved independently many times in the animal kingdom. Venoms have attracted the interest of researchers because they are an important innovation that has contributed greatly to the evolutionary success of many animals, and their medical relevance offers significant potential for drug discovery. During the last decade, venom research has been revolutionized by the application of systems biology, giving rise to a novel field known as venomics. More recently, biotechnology has also made an increasing impact in this field. Its methods provide the means to disentangle and study venom systems across all levels of biological organization and, given their tremendous impact on the life sciences, these pivotal tools greatly facilitate the coherent understanding of venom system organization, development, biochemistry, and therapeutic activity. Even so, we lack a comprehensive overview of major advances achieved by applying biotechnology to venom systems. This review therefore considers the methods, insights, and potential future developments of biotechnological applications in the field of venom research. We follow the levels of biological organization and structure, starting with the methods used to study the genomic blueprint and genetic machinery of venoms, followed gene products and their functional phenotypes. We argue that biotechnology can answer some of the most urgent questions in venom research, particularly when multiple approaches are combined together, and with other venomics technologies

Influence of sub-monolayer quantities of carbon nanoparticles on the melting and crystallization behavior of polyamide 12 powders for additive manufacturing

In this paper, the influence of 0.005 vol% and 0.05 vol% of carbon nanoparticles on the surface of polyamide 12 powder particles by dry coating and colloidal additivation is evaluated in great detail concerning thermal and microstructural properties. The dispersion of the nanoparticles on the polymer surface influences the flowability of the feedstock powder already during the additivation process. When analyzing the composite powders dynamically and isothermally with fast scanning and differential scanning calorimetry, carbon nanoparticles influence the crystallization behavior of the feedstock material significantly by acting as nucleation seeds, already at a few percent of a monolayer coating, while showing no effect on the fast heating process. The difference in calorimetric properties and crystallization behavior between the additivation methods of different abrasive forces is discussed. The surface-additivated carbon nanoparticles significantly increase the crystalline area by up to a threefold and the crystallization rate by up to a hundredfold. Furthermore, they change the crystal growth from a typical two- to three-dimensional growth of spherulites to a one- to two-dimensional growth of ellipsoidal impinged lamellar structures. Between 0.005 vol% and 0.05 vol% of well-dispersed carbon nanoparticles should be added to polyamide 12 to trigger an anisotropic heterogeneous nucleation while avoiding agglomerates

Modern venomics--Current insights, novel methods, and future perspectives in biological and applied animal venom research

Venoms have evolved >100 times in all major animal groups, and their components, known as toxins, have been fine-tuned over millions of years into highly effective biochemical weapons. There are many outstanding questions on the evolution of toxin arsenals, such as how venom genes originate, how venom contributes to the fitness of venomous species, and which modifications at the genomic, transcriptomic, and protein level drive their evolution. These questions have received particularly little attention outside of snakes, cone snails, spiders, and scorpions. Venom compounds have further become a source of inspiration for translational research using their diverse bioactivities for various applications. We highlight here recent advances and new strategies in modern venomics and discuss how recent technological innovations and multi-omic methods dramatically improve research on venomous animals. The study of genomes and their modifications through CRISPR and knockdown technologies will increase our understanding of how toxins evolve and which functions they have in the different ontogenetic stages during the development of venomous animals. Mass spectrometry imaging combined with spatial transcriptomics, in situ hybridization techniques, and modern computer tomography gives us further insights into the spatial distribution of toxins in the venom system and the function of the venom apparatus. All these evolutionary and biological insights contribute to more efficiently identify venom compounds, which can then be synthesized or produced in adapted expression systems to test their bioactivity. Finally, we critically discuss recent agrochemical, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and diagnostic (so-called translational) aspects of venoms from which humans benefit.This work is funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST, www.cost.eu) and based upon work from the COST Action CA19144 – European Venom Network (EUVEN, see https://euven-network.eu/). This review is an outcome of EUVEN Working Group 2 (“Best practices and innovative tools in venomics”) led by B.M.v.R. As coordinator of the group Animal Venomics until end 2021 at the Institute for Insectbiotechnology, JLU Giessen, B.M.v.R. acknowledges the Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG) in the programme “LOEWE – Landes-Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-ökonomischer Exzellenz” of Hesse's Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and the Arts. B.M.v.R. and I.K. further acknowledge funding on venom research by the German Science Foundation to B.M.v.R. (DFG RE3454/6-1). A.C., A.V., and G.Z. were supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation program through Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (grant agreements No. A.C.: 896849, A.V.: 841576, and G.Z.: 845674). M.P.I. is supported by the TALENTO Program by the Regional Madrid Government (2018-T1/BIO-11262). T.H.'s venom research is funded by the DFG projects 271522021 and 413120531. L.E. was supported by grant No. 7017-00288 from the Danish Council for Independent Research (Technology and Production Sciences). N.I. acknowledges funding on venom research by the Research Fund of Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University (project Nos. ABAP20F28, BAP18F26). M.I.K. and A.P. acknowledge support from GSRT National Research Infrastructure structural funding project INSPIRED (MIS 5002550). G.A. acknowledges support from the Slovenian Research Agency grants P1-0391, J4-8225, and J4-2547. G.G. acknowledges support from the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia. E.A.B.U. is supported by a Norwegian Research Council FRIPRO-YRT Fellowship No. 287462

Animal Toxins: Biodiscovery, Mechanistic Insights and Translational Potential

Nature abounds with an unprecedented diversity of biomolecular innovation [...

Diversity, self-perception and future perspectives of early career researchers in toxinology: Lessons from the 21st world congress of the international society on toxinology

Highlights •Early career researchers (ECRs) represent an important but often overlooked group in academia. •ECRs are heterogeneous yet largely evaluate their situation within IST as positive. •Low visibility and lack of engagement were the main concerns raised. •A permanent ECR committee within IST is established and formally announced herein

Urupelma sanctitheresae Kaderka, Lüddecke, Rezac, Rezacova and Hüsser, sp. n.

<i>Urupelma sanctitheresae</i> sp. n. <p>(Figures 10– 12, 13E–H, 14, 15, 24A–D, 78C; Tables 6, 7, 24)</p> <p> <i>Types</i></p> <p>Male holotype (MUSM-ENT 0513021) from Peru, Cusco, Convención, Santa Teresa, 1876 m a.s.l., 9.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.; female paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513022) from Peru, Cusco, Convención, Santa Teresa, 1932 m a.s.l., 9.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.</p> <p> <i>Etymology</i></p> <p>The specific name is derived from the name of the type locality near Santa Teresa, Cusco province, Peru.</p> <p> <i>Diagnosis</i></p> <p> <i>Urupelma sanctitheresae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differs from <i>U. ashaninka</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, <i>U. johannae</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, <i>U. atarraz</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. megantonianum</i> <b>sp. n.</b> in the absence of urticating setae of type IV (only type III are present).</p> <p> The males of <i>U. sanctitheresae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differ from all congeners in the presence of short and stout embolus with well-developed PI and developed R keel, PS keel is bipartite with separate tegular and embolar part (Figure 13E–H). Two unequal subapical apophyses are present on male tibia I, basally fused, both with short spine. Palpal tibia retrolaterally without a cluster of short spiniform setae, the retrolateral process is absent. Males of <i>U. sanctitheresae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differ from <i>U. veronicae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. dianae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> in having R keel developed and less developed TP in palpal bulb (weakly developed R keel and the presence of well-developed TP in palpal bulbs of <i>U. veronicae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. dianae</i> <b>sp. n.</b>). Tegulum of palpal bulb in <i>U. sanctitheresae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> is not as pronounced in comparison with that of <i>U. peruvianum</i> comb. n.</p> <p> <i>Distribution</i></p> <p>Known from the type locality in Peru, Cusco Department, La Convención province: Santa Teresa (Figures 15, 76, 77).</p> <p>MALE (MUSM-ENT 0513021): (Figures 10– 12, 13E–H) Total length: 20.38, carapace length 8.45, width 7.33, chelicerae with 10 teeth on promargin. Anterior eye row procurved, posterior eye row recurved. Eye sizes and interdistances: (Figure 11C) AME 0.33 (circular), ALE 0.37 (oval), PME 0.29 (oval), PLE 0.34 (oval), AME-AME 0.08, AME-ALE 0.07, PME-PME 0.49, PME-PLE 0.04, ALE-PLE 0.13, AME-PME 0.04, OQ length 0.74, width 1.30. Ocular tubercle length 0.99, width 1.30, clypeus narrow, 0.07 wide. Fovea transverse, deep, procurved, width 1.69, 5.08 from anterior edge of carapace. Labium length 1.22,width 1.52, anterior third with 59 cuspules, maxillae with 161–173 cuspules in basal half (Figure 11D). Maxillae without short spiniform setae. Labiosternal sigilla are joined. Sternum length 4.32, width 3.56, three pairs of sternal sigilla located near coxae III (length 0.36, 0.51 from edge of sternum), coxae II (length 0.20, 0.26 from edge of sternum) and coxae I (length 0.14, 0.29 from edge of sternum). Leg formula: IV> I> II> III. Incrassate leg segments: slightly incrassate femur III. Maxillary and trochanteral stridulatory bristles absent.</p> <p>Scopulae: All tarsi 100% densely scopulate, metatarsi I 60%, metatarsi II 60%, metatarsi III 30%, metatarsi IV 15% scopulate. Tarsal scopulae I–II divided by a line of longitudinal setae, tarsal scopulae III divided by a narrow longitudinal band of setae, tarsal scopulae IV divided by a wide longitudinal band of setae. Dorsal face of all tarsi and cymbium with two irregular longitudinal rows of very short claviform trichobothria. Denticulation of paired tarsal claws on right leg (prolateral/ retrolateral row): I 4/4, II 4/4, III 3/4, IV 4/4. Plumose setae on retrolateral face of femur IV absent.</p> <p>Spination: femora I p 0-1-4, II p 0-1-2, III d 0-2-2, IV d 0-0-2 and femora of palps d 0-0-1; patellae I 0, II p 0-1-0, III p 0-1-0, IV p 0-1-0 and patellae of palps 0; tibiae I p 0-0-1, r 1-2-1, II v 2-1-1-3 (apical), p 1-1-0, III v 1-1-3 (apical), p 2-2-0, r 1-1-1, IV v 2-1-3 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 1- 0-1 and tibiae of palps p 1-1-0; metatarsi I v 0-0-1 (apical), p 0-1-0, II v 1-1-1 (apical), p 0-1-0, III v 4-2-1-3 (apical), p 1-2-1-1, r 1-1-1, IV v 2-1-2-2 (apical), p 1-2-2, r 1-1-1, tarsi I–IV and tarsi of palps 0.</p> <p>Palpal organ as in Figure 13E–H, embolus short and stout with four keels, PS, PI, A and R keel, PS keel is transparent and located on tegulum only, PI keel is semi-oval and black. Tegulum with conical basal process. Retrolateral lobe of cymbium covered with short spiniform setae. Retrolateral face of palpal tibia without a palpal process but covered with short spiniform setae (Figure 12A). Two unequal subapical apophyses are present on tibia I (Figure 12B): a longer retrolateral tibial apophysis with short apical spine, a shorter prolateral tibial apophysis with single, retrolateral spine reaching the apex, approximately of two-thirds of the length of prolateral apophysis long. Metatarsus I not sigmoidly curved and without basal or median protuberance on retrolateral face. When flexed, metatarsus I contacts the retrolateral side of retrolateral tibial apophysis.</p> <p>Abdomen: urticating setae of type III are located in a central patch. Size of the patch: length 4.17, width 3.36. PLS: length 2.52, basal segment 1.17, middle segment 0.60, apical segment 0.75, all digitiform. PMS: 0.75.</p> <p>Colouration and covering setae: dorsal view: (Figure 10) carapace, coxae, trochantera and chelicerae covered with bronze pubescence, femora dark brown, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi brown, all leg articles with thin bronze pubescence intermixed with long dark setae. Patellae I, II, palpal patella, tibiae I–IV with two equal longitudinal stripes without covering setae, patellae III, IV with two unequal diagonal stripes without covering setae. Abdomen dark brown intermixed with long rufous setae, except for central pale patch. Ventral view: labium, maxillae, sternum, coxae dark brown, legs dark brown intermixed with long dark setae, abdomen brown intermixed with pale setae. Spinnerets dark brown.</p> <p>FEMALE (MUSM-ENT 0513022): (Figures 14, 24B–D) Total length: 21.43, carapace length 9.06, width 8.04, chelicerae with 12–14 teeth on promargin. Anterior eye row slightly procurved, posterior eye row slightly recurved. Eye sizes and interdistances: (Figure 14C) AME 0.38 (circular), ALE 0.49 (oval), PME 0.34 (oval), PLE 0.47 (oval), AME-AME 0.18, AME-ALE 0.07, PME-PME 0.60, PME-PLE 0.08, ALE-PLE 0.16, AME-PME 0.07, OQ length 0.91, width 1.57. Ocular tubercle: length 1.35, width 1.57, clypeus absent. Fovea transverse, procurved, width 1.22, 6.52 from anterior edge of carapace. Labium length 1.33, width 1.74, anterior half with 45 cuspules, maxillae with 170–175 cuspules in basal half, short spiniform setae in apical half of maxilla absent. Sternum length 4.67, width 4.02, with three visible pairs of sternal sigilla located near coxae III (length 0.52, 0.36 from edge of sternum), coxae II (length 0.31, 0.26 from edge of sternum) and coxae I (length 0.22, 0.26 from edge of sternum). Leg formula: IV> I> II> III. All leg segments uniform.</p> <p>Scopulae: All tarsi 100% densely scopulate, metatarsi I 80%, metatarsi II 60%, metatarsi III 35%, metatarsi IV 20% scopulate. Tarsal scopulae I undivided, tarsal scopulae II divided by a longitudinal line of setae, in tarsi III, IV divided by a longitudinal band of setae. Dorsal face of all tarsi and cymbium with two irregular longitudinal rows of very short claviform trichobothria. Denticulation of paired tarsal claws on left leg (prolateral/retrolateral row): I 1/2, II 1/3, III 2/2, IV 2/1. Plumose setae on retrolateral face of femur IV absent.</p> <p>Spination: femora I, II p 0-0-1, III, IV 0 and femora of palps p 0-0-1, patellae I, II 0, III p 0-0- 1, IV 0 and patellae of palps 0, tibiae I v 0-0-2 (apical), II v 0-1-2 (apical), III v 0-1-3 (apical), p 1-2-0, r 0-1-0, IV v 0-2-3 (apical), p 0-1-0, r 1-1-0 and tibiae of palps v 0-0-3 (apical), metatarsi I v 0-1-1 (apical), II v 1-1-1 (apical), III v 2-2-3 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 0-1-1, IV v 3-3-1-2 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 0-1-0, tarsi I–IV and tarsi of palps 0.</p> <p>Spermathecae (Figure 24B–D): two separated oval seminal receptacles with sub-basal constriction and SBE, which are not fused.</p> <p>Abdomen: urticating setae of type III are located in oval central patch. Length of the central patch: 3.30, width 4.17. PLS: length 4.47, basal segment 1.87, middle segment 1.09, apical segment 1.51, all digitiform. PMS: 0.94.</p> <p>Colouration and covering setae: dorsal view: carapace brown, coxae and trochantera brown, chelicerae brown, femora, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi brown, intermixed with long setae. Patellae I, II and palpal patella with two equal parallel longitudinal stripes without covering setae, patellae III, IV with two unequal diagonal stripes. Palpal femur and femur I prolaterally bare. Abdomen (Figure 14E) covered with short dark brown setae, intermixed with long, pale setae, except the oval central patch which is light brown. Ventral view: maxillae, labium, sternum, coxae, trochantera, femora, patellae, tibiae and metatarsi brown. Abdomen ventrally dark brown (Figure 14F). Spinnerets brown.</p> <p> <i>Variability</i></p> <p>The variability in the shape of spermathecae is shown in Figure 24A–D.</p>Published as part of <i>Radan Kaderka, Tim Lüddecke, Milan Řezáč, Veronika Řezáčová & Martin Hüsser, 2023, Revision of the Peruvian tarantula Homoeomma peruvianum (Chamberlin, 1916): description of a new genus with eleven new species and insights to the evolution of montane tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae), pp. 1710-1824 in Journal of Natural History 57 (41 - 44)</i> on pages 1739-1747, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2265621, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10491985">http://zenodo.org/record/10491985</a&gt

Urupelma machiguenga Kaderka, Lüddecke, Rezac, Rezacova and Hüsser, sp. n.

<i>Urupelma machiguenga</i> sp. n. <p>(Figures 45– 52, 78E; Tables 17, 18, 24)</p> <p> <i>Types</i></p> <p>Male holotype (MUSM-ENT 0513029) from Peru, Cusco, Convención province, Echarati, 1075 m a.s.l., 10.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.; female paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513027) from Peru, Cusco, Convención, Echarati, 1069 m a.s.l., 10.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.; female paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513028) from Peru, Cusco, Convención, Echarati, 1069 m a.s.l., 10.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.; female paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513030) from Peru, Cusco, Convención, Echarati, 1075 m a.s.l., 10.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.</p> <p> <i>Etymology</i></p> <p>The specific name refers to the Arawak language native to the Amazon rainforest in central and southern Peru and to the native tribe living along the lower Urubamba River.</p> <p> <i>Diagnosis</i></p> <p> <i>Urupelma machiguenga</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differs from <i>U. ashaninka</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, <i>U. johannae</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, <i>U. atarraz</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. megantonianum</i> <b>sp. n.</b> in the absence of urticating setae of type IV (only type III are present).</p> <p> The males of <i>U. machiguenga</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differs from all congeners in the presence of short and stout embolus with well-developed PI and developed R keel, PS keel is absent (Figure 48). Two unequal subapical apophyses are present on male tibia I, basally fused, both with short spine. Palpal tibia retrolaterally without a cluster of short spiniform setae, the retrolateral process is absent. Males of <i>U. machiguenga</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differ from <i>U. veronicae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. dianae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> in having R keel developed and less developed TP in palpal bulb (weakly developed R keel and the presence of well-developed TP in palpal bulbs of <i>U. veronicae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. dianae</i> <b>sp. n.</b>).</p> <p> <i>Distribution and natural history</i></p> <p>Known only from the type locality in Peru, Cusco, Convención province, Echarati (Figures 76, 77). In that locality, the spiders were found under stones.</p> <p>MALE (MUSM-ENT 0513029): (Figures 45–48) Total length: 19.58, carapace length 8.83, width 7.94, chelicerae with 10 teeth on promargin. Anterior eye row procurved, posterior eye row recurved. Eye sizes and interdistances: (Figure 46C) AME 0.33 (circular), ALE 0.42 (oval), PME 0.34 (oval), PLE 0.38 (oval), AME-AME 0.13, AME-ALE 0.08, PME-PME 0.53, PME-PLE 0.05, ALE-PLE 0.13, AME-PME 0.06, OQ length 0.78, width 1.40. Ocular tubercle length 1.04, width 1.40, clypeus narrow, length 0.078. Fovea transverse, procurved, deep, width 0.94, 6.14 from anterior edge of carapace. Labium length 1.23, width 1.58, anterior half with 59 cuspules, maxillae with 159–172 cuspules in basal half. Ventral maxilla without short spiniform setae. Coxa I prolaterally covered with short spiniform setae. Sternum length 4.59, width 3.71, three pairs of sternal sigilla located near coxae III (length 0.51, 0.36 from edge of sternum), coxae II (length 0.26, 0.22 from edge of sternum) and coxae I (length 0.20, 0.21 from edge of sternum). Leg formula: IV> I> II> III. Incrassate leg segments: incrassate femur III. Maxillary and trochanteral stridulatory bristles absent.</p> <p>Scopulae: All tarsi 100% densely scopulate, metatarsi I 80%, metatarsi II 50%, metatarsi III 25%, metatarsi IV 15% scopulate. Tarsal scopulae I undivided, tarsal scopulae II–III divided by a longitudinal line of setae, tarsal scopulae IV divided by a longitudinal band of setae. Dorsal face of all tarsi and cymbium with two irregular longitudinal rows of very short claviform trichobothria. Denticulation of paired tarsal claws on left leg (prolateral/ retrolateral row): I 3/2, II 2/3, III 3/2, IV 3/4. Plumose setae on retrolateral face of femur IV absent.</p> <p>Spination: femora I d 0-1-3, II d 0-2-3, III d 0-4-2, IV d 0-0-2 and femora of palps d 0-0-1; patellae I v 0-0-3, II v 0-0-1, III p 0-2-0, IV 0 and patellae of palps 0; tibiae I v 2-1-1-1 (apical), p 0-1-1, II v 2-1-3 (apical), p 0-1-1, III v 2-1-3 (apical), p 0-1-1, r 0-1-1, IV v 2-2-3 (apical), p 0- 1-1, r 1-1-1 and tibiae of palps p 1-2-1; metatarsi I v 0-0-1 (apical), p 1-0-0, II v 2-1-1 (apical), p 0-1-0, III v 2-2-3 (apical), p 2-1-1, r 1-1-1, IV v 3-1-2-3 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 1-1-1, tarsi I–IV and tarsi of palps 0.</p> <p>Palpal organ as in Figure 48, embolus short and stout with three keels, PI, A and R keel, PI keel apically subtriangular, A keel transparent, R keel well developed. Tegulum with short basal conical apophysis. Retrolateral lobe of cymbium covered with short spiniform setae. Prolateral cymbial lobe larger than retrolateral one. Retrolateral face of palpal tibia without subapical protuberance (Figure 47A). Two unequal subapical apophyses are present on tibia I (Figure 47B): a longer retrolateral tibial apophysis with short apical spine, a shorter prolateral tibial apophysis with single, retrolateral spine. Metatarsus I not sigmoidly curved and without basal or median protuberance on retrolateral face. When flexed, metatarsus I contacts the retrolateral side of retrolateral tibial apophysis.</p> <p>Abdomen: (Figure 46D, E) urticating setae of type III are located in a central patch. Size of the patch: length 2.95, width 3.56. PLS: length 3.46, basal segment 1.61, middle segment 0.86, apical segment 0.99, all digitiform. PMS: 1.04.</p> <p>Colouration and covering setae: dorsal view: (Figure 45) carapace, coxae and trochantera covered with golden pubescence, femora dark grey, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi brown. Patellae I, II and palpal patella with two equal longitudinal stripes without covering setae, patellae III, IV with two unequal diagonal stripes without covering setae. Abdomen dark brown intermixed with long pale setae, central patch darker than the rest of abdomen. Ventral view: maxillae, labium, sternum reddish brown, sparsely covered with covering setae, legs brown, ventral abdomen yellowish brown, except for paler booklungs. Spinnerets dark grey.</p> <p>FEMALE (MUSM-ENT 0513027): (Figures 49, 51, 52C–F) Total length: 30.01, carapace length 11.48, width 9.63, chelicerae with 10–11 teeth on promargin. Anterior eye row procurved, posterior eye row slightly recurved. Eye sizes and interdistances: (Figure 51C) AME 0.45 (circular), ALE 0.44 (oval), PME 0.39 (oval), PLE 0.40 (oval), AME-AME 0.18, AME-ALE 0.13, PME-PME 0.78, PME-PLE 0.07, ALE-PLE 0.18, AME-PME 0.10, OQ length 0.91, width 1.69. Ocular tubercle: length 1.35, width 1.69, clypeus narrow, length 0.208. Fovea transverse, straight, width 1.77, 7.58 from anterior edge of carapace. Labium length 1.70, width 2.24, anterior half with 86 cuspules, maxillae with 272–277 cuspules in basal half and without short spiniform setae in apical half. Sternum length 5.80, width 4.72, with three visible pairs of sternal sigilla located near coxae III (length 0.68, 0.62 from edge of sternum), coxae II (length 0.31, 0.40 from edge of sternum) and coxae I (length 0.18, 0.51 from edge of sternum). Cuspules on labiosternal suture joined. Leg formula: IV> I> II> III. All leg segments uniform.</p> <p>Scopulae: All tarsi 100% densely scopulate, metatarsi I 95%, metatarsi II 60%, metatarsi III 25%, metatarsi IV 20% scopulate. Tarsal scopulae I integral, II divided by a line of longitudinal setae, III divided by a narrow band of setae, in tarsi IV divided by a wide band of setae. Dorsal face of all tarsi and cymbium with two irregular longitudinal rows of very short claviform trichobothria. Denticulation of paired tarsal claws on right legs (prolateral/ retrolateral row): I 4/4, II 3/3, III 3/3, IV 2/3. Plumose setae on retrolateral face of femur IV absent.</p> <p>Spination: femora I d 0-0-1, II d 0-0-1, III d 0-0-1, IV d 0-0-1 and femora of palps d 0-0-1, patellae III p 0-1-0, tibiae I v 0-1-1 (apical), II v 0-1-2 (apical), p 0-1-0, III v 0-1-4 (apical), p 1- 1-0, r 1-1-0, IV v 2-1-2 (apical), r 0-1-0 and tibiae of palps v 1-1-3 (apical), metatarsi I v 0-0-1 (apical), II v 1-1-1 (apical), III v 2-2-3 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 0-1-1, IV v 2-2-2-3 (apical), p 0-1-1, r 0- 1-1, tarsi I–IV and tarsi of palps 0.</p> <p>Spermathecae: (Figure 52C–F) two separated oval seminal receptacles with sub-basal constriction and SBE, which are not fused.</p> <p>Abdomen: urticating setae of type III are located in oval central patch. Length of the central patch: 5.38, width 5.62. PLS: length 5.72, basal segment 2.34, middle segment 1.64, apical segment 1.74, all digitiform. PMS: 1.46.</p> <p>Colouration and covering setae: dorsal view: (Figure 49) carapace brown, lateral and posterior edge of carapace thicky covered with pale setae, cephalus domed and sparsely covered with protruding setae, thorax lighter than cephalus, chelicerae covered with light brown setae, coxae and trochantera covered with pale setae, femora black with light violet irridescence, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi brown, intermixed with long, pale setae. Patellae I, II and palpal patella with two almost equal parallel longitudinal stripes without covering setae, patellae III, IV with two unequal diagonal stripes. Palpal femur prolaterally partly bare. Femur I prolaterally without spiniform setae in basal half. Abdomen (Figure 49) dark brown with long pale setae, more concentrated in the area of urticating setae. Ventral view: maxillae, labium, sternum, coxae, trochantera, femora, patellae, tibiae and metatarsi brown. Abdomen ventrally brown, except for the anterior and posterior booklungs which are yellowish brown. Spinnerets brown.</p> <p> <i>Variability</i></p> <p>The variability in the shape of spermathecae is shown in Figure 52.</p>Published as part of <i>Radan Kaderka, Tim Lüddecke, Milan Řezáč, Veronika Řezáčová & Martin Hüsser, 2023, Revision of the Peruvian tarantula Homoeomma peruvianum (Chamberlin, 1916): description of a new genus with eleven new species and insights to the evolution of montane tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae), pp. 1710-1824 in Journal of Natural History 57 (41 - 44)</i> on pages 1782-1788, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2265621, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10491985">http://zenodo.org/record/10491985</a&gt

Urupelma johannae Kaderka, Lüddecke, Rezac, Rezacova and Hüsser, sp. n.

<i>Urupelma johannae</i> sp. n. <p>(Figures 59–61, 78F; Table 20)</p> <p> <i>Types</i></p> <p>Female holotype (MUSM-ENT 0514015, exuvia RKCP 0685) from Peru, Cuzco province, Quincemil, 746 m a.s.l., 18 October 2014, R. Kaderka col.</p> <p> <i>Etymology</i></p> <p>The specific name is a patronym in honour of Jana Kaderkova, wife of the first author, for her patience and support, and also her indulgence of his unusual hobby.</p> <p> <i>Diagnosis</i></p> <p> The females of <i>U. johannae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differ from all congeners, except for <i>U. ashaninka</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, in having oval seminal receptacles basally joined (Figure 61). It differs from <i>U. ashaninka</i> <b>sp. n.</b> in a different colouration, the absence of type III urticating setae and the extension of urticating setae patch in females (more extended in <i>U. johannae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and less extended in <i>U. ashaninka</i> <b>sp. n.</b>) (Figures 37C and 60D).</p> <p> <i>Distribution and natural history</i></p> <p>Known from the type locality in Quincemil, Cuzco, Peru (Figure 76).</p> <p>FEMALE (MUSM-ENT 0514015): (Figures 59–61) Total length: 26.24, carapace length 11.01, width 10.69, chelicerae with 16–17 teeth on promargin. Anterior eye row slightly procurved, posterior eye row recurved. Eye sizes and interdistances: (Figure 60C) AME 0.46 (circular), ALE 0.49 (oval), PME 0.39 (oval), PLE 0.43 (oval), AME-AME 0.20, AME-ALE 0.20, PME-PME 0.83, PME-PLE 0.10, ALE-PLE 0.21, AME-PME 0.14, OQ length 1.014, width 1.885. Ocular tubercle: length 1.495, width 1.885, clypeus narrow, length 0.156. Fovea transverse, procurved, width 2.08, 8.35 from anterior edge of carapace. Labium length 1.77, width 2.48, anterior third with 54 cuspules, maxillae with 170–191 cuspules in basal half, short spiniform setae in apical half absent. Sternum length 5.80, width 5.28, with three visible pairs of sternal sigilla located near coxae III (length 0.49, 0.64 from edge of sternum), coxae II (length 0.29, 0.47 from edge of sternum) and coxae I (length 0.23, 0.46 from edge of sternum). Sigilla on labiosternal suture joined. Leg formula: IV> I> II> III. All leg segments uniform.</p> <p>Scopulae: All tarsi 100% densely scopulate, metatarsi I 55%, metatarsi II 45%, metatarsi III 25%, metatarsi IV 0% scopulate. Tarsal scopulae I undivided, tarsal scopulae II divided by a longitudinal band of setae, in tarsi III, IV divided by a wide band of setae. Dorsal face of all tarsi and cymbium with two irregular longitudinal rows of very short claviform trichobothria. Denticulation of paired tarsal claws on left legs (prolateral/ retrolateral row): I 0/3, II 4/4, III 3/2, IV 3/3. Plumose setae on retrolateral face of femur IV absent.</p> <p>Spination: femora I p 0-0-1, II, III, IV 0 and femora of palps p 0-0-1, patellae I, II 0, III p 0-1- 0, IV 0 and patellae of palps 0, tibiae I v 0-0-1 (apical), II v 0-1-1 (apical), p 0-1-0, III v 0-1-2 (apical), p 1-1-0, r 0-1-0, IV v 0-0-2 (apical), p 0-0-1, d 1-0-1 and tibiae of palps v 0-0-2 (apical), metatarsi I v 0-1-2 (apical), II v 0-1-1, p 0-1-0, III v 1-1-2-3 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 0-1-1, IV v 1-1-2-3 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 0-0-1, d 0-1-1, tarsi I–IV and tarsi of palps 0.</p> <p>Spermathecae: (Figure 61) unipartite, subtriangular, with two large oval lobes.</p> <p>Abdomen: urticating setae of type IV are located in a large oval central patch. PLS: length 4.63, basal segment 1.72, middle segment 1.40, apical segment 1.51, all digitiform. PMS: 1.09.</p> <p>Colouration and covering setae: dorsal view: (Figure 59) carapace sparsely covered with short golden pubescence, edge of carapace with long pale setae, coxae, trochantera, femora, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi brown, intermixed with long, pale setae. Patellae I, II, palpal patella, femora I–IV, palpal femora, tibiae I–IV and palpal tibiae with two almost equal parallel longitudinal stripes without covering setae, patellae III, IV with two unequal diagonal stripes. Femora I–IV and palpal femora retrolaterally with one longitudinal stripe without covering setae. Abdomen brown, intermixed with long, pale setae, except for the oval central patch which is dark brown. Length of the central patch: 9.71, width 8.19. Ventral view: labium and maxillae dark reddish-brown, sternum, coxae, trochantera, femora, patellae, tibiae and metatarsi brown. Abdomen ventrally yellowish brown, without dark longitudinal band. Spinnerets yellowish brown.</p> <p>MALE: unknown.</p> <p> <i>Variability</i></p> <p>The variability in the shape of spermathecae is shown in Figure 61.</p>Published as part of <i>Radan Kaderka, Tim Lüddecke, Milan Řezáč, Veronika Řezáčová & Martin Hüsser, 2023, Revision of the Peruvian tarantula Homoeomma peruvianum (Chamberlin, 1916): description of a new genus with eleven new species and insights to the evolution of montane tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae), pp. 1710-1824 in Journal of Natural History 57 (41 - 44)</i> on pages 1797-1799, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2265621, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10491985">http://zenodo.org/record/10491985</a&gt

Urupelma sanctimariae Kaderka, Lüddecke, Rezac, Rezacova and Hüsser, sp. n.

<i>Urupelma sanctimariae</i> sp. n. <p>(Figures 16– 23, 24E–J, 78A; Tables 8–10, 24)</p> <p> <i>Types</i></p> <p>Male holotype (MUSM-ENT 0513026) from Peru, Cusco, Convención, Santa María, 1286 m a.s.l., 10.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.; male paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513024) and female paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513025), the same data as for the male holotype; female paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513023) from Peru, Cusco, Convención, Santa María, 1213 m a.s.l., 10.X.2018, R. Kaderka col.</p> <p> <i>Etymology</i></p> <p>The specific name is derived from the name of the type locality near Santa María, Cusco province, Peru.</p> <p> <i>Diagnosis</i></p> <p> <i>Urupelma sanctimariae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differs from <i>U. ashaninka</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, <i>U. johannae</i> <b>sp. n.</b>, <i>U. atarraz</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. megantonianum</i> <b>sp. n.</b> in the absence of urticating setae of type IV (only type III are present).</p> <p> The males of <i>U. sanctimariae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differs from all congeners in the presence of short and stout embolus with well-developed PI, developed R and SA keel, PS keel is absent (Figure 19). Two unequal subapical apophyses are present on male tibia I, basally fused, both with short spine. Palpal tibia retrolaterally with a cluster of short spiniform setae, the retrolateral process is absent. Males of <i>U. sanctimariae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> differ from <i>U. veronicae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. dianae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> in having R keel developed and less developed TP in palpal bulb (weakly developed R keel and the presence of well-developed TP in palpal bulbs of <i>U. veronicae</i> <b>sp. n.</b> and <i>U. dianae</i> <b>sp. n.</b>).</p> <p> <i>Distribution</i></p> <p>Known from the type locality in Peru, Cusco Department, La Convención province: Santa María (Figures 23, 76, 77).</p> <p>MALE (MUSM-ENT 0513026): (Figures 16–19) Total length: 25.84, carapace length 10.91, width 9.95, chelicerae with 10–11 teeth on promargin. Anterior eye row procurved, posterior eye row recurved. Eye sizes and interdistances: (Figure 17C) AME 0.40 (circular), ALE 0.50 (oval), PME 0.39 (oval), PLE 0.46 (oval), AME-AME 0.16, AME-ALE 0.12, PME-PME 0.62, PME-PLE 0.05, ALE-PLE 0.14, AME-PME 0.13, OQ length 0.94, width 1.57. Ocular tubercle length 1.35, width 1.57, clypeus absent. Fovea transverse, deep, procurved, width 1.12, 7.23 from anterior edge of carapace. Labium length 1.51, width 1.93, anterior half with 76 cuspules, maxillae with 254–258 cuspules in basal two-thirds (Figure 17D). Maxillae without short spiniform setae. Labiosternal sigilla are joined. Sternum length 5.61, width 4.42, three pairs of sternal sigilla located near coxae III (length 0.53, 0.52 from edge of sternum), coxae II (length 0.30, 0.27 from edge of sternum) and coxae I (length 0.21, 0.22 from edge of sternum). Leg formula: IV> I> II> III. Incrassate leg segments: slightly incrassate femur III. Maxillary and trochanteral stridulatory bristles absent.</p> <p>Scopulae: All tarsi 100% densely scopulate, metatarsi I 90%, metatarsi II 65%, metatarsi III 25%, metatarsi IV 20% scopulate. Tarsal scopulae I–II undivided, tarsal scopulae III divided by a narrow longitudinal band of setae, tarsal scopulae IV divided by a wide longitudinal band of setae. Dorsal face of all tarsi and cymbium with two irregular longitudinal rows of very short claviform trichobothria. Denticulation of paired tarsal claws on right leg (prolateral/retrolateral row): I 4/4, II 5/5, III 4/4, IV 4/4. Plumose setae on retrolateral face of femur IV absent.</p> <p>Spination: femora I d 0-1-3, II p 0-1-2, III p 0-2-2, d 0-1-1, IV p 0-1-2, r 0-1-1 and femora of palps d 0-0-3; patellae I v 0-0-1 (apical), II 0, III p 0-1-0, IV 0 and patellae of palps d 0-0-1; tibiae I v 1-1-2, p 0-1-1, r 1-1-1, II v 2-1-3-3 (apical), p 1-1-0, III v 1-2-1-3 (apical), p 1-0-1, r 1- 1-0, IV v 5-2-3 (apical), p 1-0-1, r 1-1-0, d 1-0-0 and tibiae of palps p 1-2-1; metatarsi I v 0-0-1 (apical), p 0-1-0, r 1-0-0, II v 2-1-1-1 (apical), p 1-1-1, III v 2-2-2-3 (apical), d 1-2-2-2, IV v 3-2- 2-3 (apical), d 2-2-2-2, tarsi I–IV and tarsi of palps 0.</p> <p>Palpal organ as in Figure 19, embolus short and stout with four keels, PI, A, SA and R keel, SA keel is transparent and located on tegulum only, PI keel well developed, semi-oval and black, R keel well developed, A keel small and transparent. PS keel is absent but there is SA keel in the position of tegular part of PS keel, distinctly representing a prolongation of A keel. Sperm pore is located between PI and A keel. Tegulum with a low basal subconical process. Retrolateral lobe of cymbium, which is larger than prolateral one, is covered with short spiniform setae. Retrolateral face of tapering palpal tibia without a palpal process but covered with a cluster of short spiniform setae (Figure 18A). Two unequal subapical apophyses are present on tibia I (Figure 18B): a longer retrolateral tibial apophysis with short apical spine, a shorter prolateral tibial apophysis with the short retrolateral spine not reaching the apex, approximately two-thirds the length of prolateral apophysis long. Metatarsus I not sigmoidly curved and without basal or median protuberance on retrolateral face. When flexed, metatarsus I contacts the retrolateral side of retrolateral tibial apophysis.</p> <p>Abdomen (Figure 17E, F): urticating setae of type III are located in a central patch. Size of the patch: length 5.09, width 5.19. PLS: length 4.50, basal segment 1.87, middle segment 1.17, apical segment 1.46, all digitiform. PMS: 1.12.</p> <p>Colouration and covering setae: dorsal view: (Figure 16) carapace, coxae and trochanters covered with light brown pubescence, femora dark brown with violet iridescence, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi brown. Patellae I, II, palpal patella, tibiae I–IV with two almost equal longitudinal stripes without covering setae, patellae III, IV with two unequal diagonal stripes without covering setae. Abdomen dark brown, anteriorly covered with long black setae, the rest intermixed with long pale setae, except for central pale patch. Ventral view: labium, sternum, maxillae, coxae dark brown, femora dark brown, the rest of legs brown, abdomen light brown intermixed with dark setae, booklungs yellowish brown. Spinnerets dark brown.</p> <p>FEMALE (MUSM-ENT 0513025): (Figures 21, 22, 24E–J) Total length: 38.68, carapace length 15.57, width 13.16, chelicerae with 11 teeth on promargin. Anterior eye row procurved, posterior eye row slightly recurved. Eye sizes and interdistances: (Figure 22C) AME 0.49 (circular), ALE 0.59 (oval), PME 0.48 (oval), PLE 0.46 (oval), AME-AME 0.26, AME-ALE 0.16, PME-PME 0.95, PME-PLE 0.04, ALE-PLE 0.21, AME-PME 0.14, OQ length 1.09, width 2.02. Ocular tubercle: length 1.69, width 2.02, clypeus narrow, 0.169 long. Fovea transverse, deep, slightly procurved, width 2.62, 10.27 from anterior edge of carapace. Labium length 2.26, width 2.85, anterior third with 91 cuspules, maxillae with 239–245 cuspules in basal half and without short spiniform setae in apical half. Sternum length 7.46, width 6.26, with three visible pairs of sternal sigilla located near coxae III (length 0.42, 0.73 from edge of sternum), coxae II (length 0.40, 0.43 from edge of sternum) and coxae I (length 0.26, 0.40 from edge of sternum). Sigilla on labiosternal suture joined. Coxa I prolaterally thickly covered with short spiniform setae. Leg formula: IV> I> II> III. All leg segments uniform.</p> <p>Scopulae: All tarsi 100% densely scopulate, metatarsi I 95%, metatarsi II 65%, metatarsi III 25%, metatarsi IV 20% scopulate. Tarsal scopulae I, II integral, tarsal scopulae III divided by a longitudinal narrow band of setae, in tarsi IV divided by a wide band of setae. Dorsal face of all tarsi and cymbium with two irregular longitudinal rows of very short claviform trichobothria, with reduced number of trichobothria on retrolateral side of tarsi II, III and IV. Denticulation of paired tarsal claws on right legs (prolateral/retrolateral row): I 5/2, II 5/4, III 5/4, IV 4/4. Plumose setae on retrolateral face of femur IV absent.</p> <p>Spination: femora I d 0-0-1, II p 0-0-1, III d 0-1-2 and IV r 0-0-1 and femora of palps 0, patellae I, II 0, III p 0-1-0, IV 0 and patellae of palps 0, tibiae I v 1-1-1, II v 1-2-3 (apical), p 1-1-0, III v 1-2-3 (apical), p 1-1-0, r 1-1-0, IV v 1-2-1-2 (apical), p 1-0-1, r 1-1-1 and tibiae of palps v 0-0-3 (apical), p 0-1-0, metatarsi I v 2-0-0, II v 1-2-1 (apical), p 0-1-0, III v 4-2-3 (apical), p 1-2-2, r 0-1-1, IV v 3-2-1-3 (apical), p 1-1-1, r 0-1-2, tarsi I–IV and tarsi of palps 0.</p> <p>Spermathecae: (Figure 24E, F) two separated oval seminal receptacles with sub-basal constriction, SBE absent.</p> <p>Abdomen: urticating setae of type III are located in oval central patch. Length of the central patch: 6.26, width 6.74. PLS: length 6.68, basal segment 2.80, middle segment 1.97, apical segment 1.91, all digitiform. PMS: 1.87.</p> <p>Colouration and covering setae: dorsal view: (Figure 21) carapace brown with bronze setae along left and right edge and also on both sides of ocular tubercle, coxae and trochantera brown, chelicerae brown, femora, patellae, tibiae, metatarsi and tarsi brown, intermixed with long, pale setae. Femora dorsally covered with thin rose setae. Patellae I, II and palpal patella with two equal parallel longitudinal stripes without covering setae, patellae III, IV with two unequal diagonal stripes. Palpal femur partly bare on prolateral side. Femur I prolaterally without spiniform setae in basal half. Abdomen brown (Figure 22E) intermixed with long, bronze setae, except for the oval central patch which is light brown. Ventral view: maxillae and labium dark chestnut-coloured, labium, sternum, coxae, trochantera, femora, patellae, tibiae and metatarsi brown. Abdomen ventrally without dark longitudinal band (Figure 22F). Spinnerets brown.</p> <p> <i>Variability</i></p> <p>The variability in the shape of spermathecae is shown in Figure 24E–J. In the male paratype (MUSM-ENT 0513024) the lengths of leg segments are shown in Table 9. In this male paratype we have recorded a similar carapace length (13.00), 10–11 cheliceral teeth, labium with 60 cuspules, maxillae with 189–209 cuspules, and the congruent leg formula (IV> I> II> III).</p> <p> <i>Remarks</i></p> <p>In juvenile specimen of female (MUSM-ENT 0513025), with carapace length 1.898, we sampled urticating setae of intermediate morphology between types III and IV, 0.13–0.16 long. These setae represent ontogenetic precursors of type III, which are present in mature specimens.</p>Published as part of <i>Radan Kaderka, Tim Lüddecke, Milan Řezáč, Veronika Řezáčová & Martin Hüsser, 2023, Revision of the Peruvian tarantula Homoeomma peruvianum (Chamberlin, 1916): description of a new genus with eleven new species and insights to the evolution of montane tarantulas (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae), pp. 1710-1824 in Journal of Natural History 57 (41 - 44)</i> on pages 1747-1756, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2023.2265621, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/10491985">http://zenodo.org/record/10491985</a&gt