Medically significant spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) and hymenopterans (Insecta: Hymenoptera) of Albania: A comprehensive review of ecology and venom toxicity

• Autorzy: Vrenozi B. , Lugaj A.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Among the several publications focusing on spiders and insects in Albania, very few address their venom, toxicity and medical significance. This study presents the first comprehensive data on the ecology and distribution of medically significant insects and spiders found in Albania, including information on morphology, habitat preferences and venom toxicity. The data presented here has been gathered from an extensive literature review and through citizen science, focusing on social networks, written and verbal media, observations collected from the online platforms iNaturalist and records available on The Global Biodiversity Information Facility website. Results show that spiders from the “widow” group, belonging to the genera Latrodectus Walckenaer, 1805 and Steatoda Sundevall, 1833, are frequently mentioned in the literature for the severity of their bites due to the potent neurotoxin α–latrotoxin present in their venom. Meanwhile, the medical significance of hymenopterans, especially the honeybee Apis mellifera Linnaeus, 1758, is due to the anaphylactic reactions induced by their highly allergenic venom. This study presents the first attempt to map the distribution of venomous spiders and insects present in Albania, with detailed information on their morphology, ecology, and venom toxicity, with the aim of informing the public and health professionals across the country, and more largely, the Balkan region.

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Polish Journal of Entomology
• Rocznik: 2025
• Tom: 94
• Opis fizyczny: p.13-35,fig.,ref.

Twórcy

autor

Vrenozi B.

• Research Center of Flora and Fauna, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Petro Nini Luarasi 80, 1010, Tirana, Albania

autor

Lugaj A.

• Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Boulevard “Zog I”, 1001, Tirana, Albania

Identyfikatory

DOI

10.5604/01.3001.0054.9620