Loxosceles variegata: THE FIRST REPORT IN MINAS GERAIS STATE

CHATZAKI M. (1), PLAZZI M.I.A. (2), MELO M.M. (3), CHAVEZ-OLÓRTEGUI C.D. (1), KALAPOTHAKIS E. (1), DE MARIA M.(1)

(1) Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Brazil, UFMG; (2) Centro de Zoonoses de Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil, (3) Escola de Veterinária, UFMG, Brazil.

The spider genus Loxosceles (ARANEAE, SICARIIDAE) is well represented in the area of Latin America. 36 out of the 101 species known worldwide are recorded from this area. Until recently ten species were known to occur in Brazil and three (L. similis Moenkhaus, L. laeta (Nikolet) and L. anomala (Mello-Leitão)) in the region of Minas Gerais. This study reports the presence of a fourth species in the area of Ituiutaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil, L. variegata Simon, 1897, which was previously known as endemic in Paraguay. This is the first time L. variegata is reported in Brazil. As it was collected in high numbers by locals, it is considered as a permanent inhabitant of the area and not an accidental venue by neighboring areas of Paraguay. The biology, ecology and ethology of this species are not well known, therefore its relation to humans are not yet understood. Because Loxosceles venom is generally known for being toxic to humans, further pharmacological and toxicological analysis of the venom of this species is needed to investigate the potential risk to humans, as well as further insights on its distribution in Brazil.

KEY WORDS: Loxosceles variegata.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: We thank the staff of Centro de Zoonoses de Ituiutaba – MG, (Vigilância e Manejo de Animais Peçonhentos).

CORRESPONDENCE TO: Prof. Dr. Evanguedes Kalapothakis, (31) 34992713.