Efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) as an antiparasitic treatment for scorpions (Androctonus bicolor) and its impact on venom production

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  By Guy Haimovitch - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=630184 Efficacy of neem oil (Azadirachta indica) as an antiparasitic treatment for scorpions (Androctonus bicolor) and its impact on venom production Abstract Mite infestations are a recurrent welfare issue that significantly affect the health, venom production, and survival of scorpions, particularly under human care. Chemical acaricides such as permethrins and fipronil, widely used in veterinary medicine for mite and tick control, are contraindicated in scorpions. Since mites and scorpions both belong to the class Arachnida, even minimal exposure can result in severe toxicity or death. Neem oil ( Azadirachta indica ) has been widely recognized for its acaricidal, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Its main compound, azadirachtin, interferes with mite development and reproduction, leading to reduced infestations and egg viability. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 1...

A survey of Hersilia spiders (Araneae, Hersiliidae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China

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A survey of Hersilia spiders (Araneae, Hersiliidae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China

Abstract

Background

Hersilia Audouin, 1826 is the largest genus of the Hersiliidae Thorell, 1869, currently including 80 extant species that are widespread throughout most of forests of the Tropical realm. The tropical rainforest in Xishuangbanna is one of the most biodiversity-rich regions in China. However, Hersilia can be regarded as being poorly represented in Xishuangbanna, with only two recorded species so far.

New information

A survey was undertaken to study the hersiliids in Xishuangbanna. A total of four species are here addressed, raising from two to four the number of species of the genus Hersilia known to the area: H. striata Wang & Yin, 1985 and H. lelabah Rheims & Brescovit, 2004 that were recorded previously and H. asiatica Song & Zheng, 1982 (as well as the new record from Yunnan) and H. sumatrana (Thorell, 1890) that are recorded for the first time. Hersilia lelabah is re-described, based on new materials and the male is described and illustrated for the first time. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations for both sexes of H. lelabah are provided. The distribution map of these four species in Xishuangbanna is given.

Yu H, Zhang C, Lu Q, Lin Y (2024) A survey of Hersilia spiders (Araneae, Hersiliidae) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e142805. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e142805