A new subspecies of dangerous spiders discovered in Mexico

A new subspecies of dangerous spiders discovered in Mexico
A new subspecies of dangerous spiders discovered in Mexico
Anonim

It is a genus of spiders known for its venom that causes tissue necrosis. We are talking about spiders of the genus Loxosceles.

A research team led by Professor Alejandro Valdez-Mondragón of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has discovered a new species of these arthropods in the Mexico Valley.

Scientists have dubbed the new species of spider Loxosceles tenochtitlan. The specific name was given in honor of the ancient capital of the Aztec Empire - Tenochtitlan.

In total, there are about 140 representatives of this genus, and they all live in the warm regions of the Old and New Worlds. And in Mexico, there are about 40 species of the total.

Outwardly, representatives of L. tenochtitlan are very similar to spiders of the species Loxosceles misteca, but a detailed analysis helped experts determine that they are still facing a new species.

The bite of a spider of the genus Loxosceles is not fatal, but it requires medical attention. One of its consequences can be loxoscelism, which is characterized by extensive necrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

These spiders can often be found in dusty basements or warehouses. These arthropods love to hide in crevices.

But the good news is that these spiders most often avoid human contact, which is why they are also called hermit spiders. In addition, they live mostly in North America.

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