Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis)

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  Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) Abstract The internet is currently one of the most important means of communication, which may include the circulation of misinformation. Snakes have always been a target of the sensationalist media, being pictured as scary and aggressive animals to be killed indiscriminately by humans. Such fear based on misinformation may compromise species conservation. Here, we address the spread of misinformation about Bothrops insularis and Queimada Grande Island in digital media, highlighting the negative impact on public perception and species conservation. The analysis of 230 online sources revealed that approximately 94% of them contained false information, many using sensationalist language, especially regarding the toxicity of the venom and the population density of the snake, as well as bringing contents that did not align with scientific d...

Revisiting evolutionary relationships of Antrodiaetus (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) using phylogenomics; implications for species diversity and biogeography of a persistent Holarctic lineage

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Revisiting evolutionary relationships of Antrodiaetus (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) using phylogenomics; implications for species diversity and biogeography of a persistent Holarctic lineage

Abstract

Antrodiaetus is a lineage of mygalomorph spider (Mygalomorphae: Antrodiaetidae) that has persisted since the late Cretaceous and has a disjunct Holarctic distribution and strong morphological conservatism. These folding-door spiders possess a life history (i.e., limited dispersal, conserved environmental niche) that closely ties their evolution to geology. This study produces a robust, well-supported phylogenomic inference of all currently recognized Antrodiaetus species using UCEs (Ultraconserved Elements), corroborates previous biogeographical hypotheses, and proposes new hypotheses about diversification patterns. We also confirm that previously suspected cryptic diversity within A. pacificus is underestimated, as this nominal species comprises multiple divergent and cryptic lineages. Our phylogeny now serves as a foundation for understanding Antrodiaetus species relationships, biogeography, and speciation.
Ciaccio, E., Bond, J., Hedin, M., & Hamilton, C. A. (2024). Revisiting evolutionary relationships of Antrodiaetus (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) using phylogenomics; implications for species diversity and biogeography of a persistent Holarctic lineage. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 108206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2024.108206