Abstract

BUSTILLOS-GARCIA, Yandira Bertha  and  HUMBOLDT-PAPUTSACHIS, Ciro. First record of the genus Latrodectus (Walckenaer, 1805) in the department of Oruro, Bolivia. J. Selva Andina Res. Soc. [online]. 2023, vol.14, n.2, pp.36-45.  Epub Aug 31, 2023. ISSN 2072-9294.  https://doi.org/10.36610/j.jsars.2023.140200036.

The genus Latrodectus is of medical importance due to the release of venom through its chelicerae, causing clinical manifestations such as poisoning (called latrodectism). In Bolivia, specimens of this genus were reported in rural areas of 6 departments. In the present study, the distribution of the genus Latrodectus in the department of Oruro was determined by means of maps. Forty-one arachnid specimens from 18 different areas of Oruro were evaluated. For this purpose, a taxonomic characterization of the specimens was carried out. A database was prepared, as well as a map of the presence of the genus Latrodectus, showing that in the city of Oruro there were more individuals than in rural areas, mainly in peri-urban and urban areas. In addition, a map of the vegetation types of the department was made to understand the possible habitats where the arachnids could be located. In this way, the location of the arachnids pointed out their wide capacity of adaptation in different environments, considered as a synanthropic arachnid. Vegetation is an important factor in the establishment of Latrodectus individuals. In addition, there is a microhabitat conducive to its establishment. However, to avoid future mishaps due to the bite of this arachnid, it is necessary to know the nesting and reproduction sites.

Keywords : Arachnids; Latrodectus; synanthropic; Oruro; Bolivia.

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