This review gives an overview on the development of research on spider venoms with a
focus on structure and function of venom components and techniques of analysis. Major …

A central goal in biology is to determine the ways in which evolution repeats itself. One of the
most remarkable examples in nature of convergent evolutionary novelty is animal venom …

Animal venom systems have emerged as valuable models for investigating how novel
polygenic phenotypes may arise from gene evolution by varying molecular mechanisms …

Animal venoms are recognised as unique biological systems in which to study molecular
evolution. Venom use has evolved numerous times among the insects, and insects today …

Spiders (Araneae) have a diverse spectrum of morphologies, behaviors, and physiologies.
Attempts to understand the genomic-basis of this diversity are often hindered by their large …

The brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus, is a predator of a variety of agricultural
insects and is also hazardous for humans. Its venom is a true pharmacopeia representing …

The origin of aggregate silk glands and their production of wet adhesive silks is considered
a key innovation of the Araneoidea, a superfamily of spiders that build orb-webs and …

Background Spiders comprise a hyperdiverse lineage of predators with venom systems, yet
the origin of functionally novel spider venom glands remains unclear. Previous studies have …

Bloodfeeding is employed by many parasitic animals and requires specific innovations for
efficient feeding. Some of these innovations are molecular features that are related to the …

Venom is a remarkable innovation found across the animal kingdom, yet the evolutionary
origins of venom systems in various groups, including spiders, remain enigmatic. Here, we …