Functional morphology of the venom apparatus of Larinioides ixobolus (Araneae: Araneidae)

Abstract

Larinioides ixobolus (Thorell, 1873) is widely distributed throughout Middle Europe, Turkey and Middle Asia. The morphology of the venom apparatus of L. ixobolus using adult spiders that were collected from Kirikkale (Turkey) were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The general organization of the venom apparatus of L. ixobolus is similar to other spiders' venom apparatus. The venom apparatus, situated in the anterior of the prosoma, is composed of a pair of chelicerae and venom glands. Each chelicera consists of a stout basal and a movable apical (fang) segments. The fang rests in a groove on the basal segment. Both sides of the cheliceral grooves are armed with three marginal teeth. To eject the venom, a venom pore is situated on the subterminal part of the fang. The venom glands of L. ixobolus are equal size and they look like a carrot. Each gland is surrounded by bulky muscular layer. Also, the nerve cells can be easily observed on the surface on the venom gland by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.