The eresid spider genus Loureedia (Miller et al., 2012) was described a decade ago, despite its type species being described in the mid-19th century, which illuminates the difficulties in obtaining specimens. The genus was initially described as monotypic. Ever since, four other species have been assigned to Loureedia, including three newly discovered ones. Primarily due to the extravagant appearance of the males, stories about the discovery of species of Loureedia have been the subject of relatively wide media coverage over the years, leading to numerous new populations and putative undescribed species being documented by naturalists and citizen scientists. These species, although bearing distinct differences in their coloration patterns, typically vary only slightly in the structure of their copulatory organs, the primary traits used in spider systematics. This highlights an important taxonomic problem: while it is easy to diagnose the genus or recognize the species that belong to it, it is challenging to differentiate the species from one another, particularly when using only a single line of evidence. In this paper, we have tackled this issue using an integrative approach, i.e., a combination of molecular markers (the mitochondrial COI) and traditional morphological characters. The effects of different observational angles on the perceived shape of the conductor are discussed. Except for one species, we obtained DNA data of all members of the genus. Based on these data, the first phylogeny for Loureedia is presented, and two North African species, Loureedia maroccana (Gál et al., 2017) and Loureedia jerbae (El-Hennawy, 2005), are revalidated from synonymy. The distribution records of all described species are mapped.

The authors were the first to identify myxomatosis in brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in a hunting area in western Hungary. During the necropsy of brown hares, dermatitis accompanied by multiplex pustule formation and keratinisation disorders were observed primarily on the head, eyelids, ears and skin around the mouth. Subacute keratoconjunctivitis and catarrhal-purulent rhinitis were confirmed during the autopsy. In addition, multiplex, nodular pneumonia and hemorrhages in the intertubular space of the kidneys, as well as tubulonephrosis, were also observed. Hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis were seen in the epithelium, along with the appearance of myxoma cells and heterophil granulocyte infiltration. The lesions found in the hares, such as significant swelling of the eyelids and keratoconjunctivitis, significantly impaired the animals' orientation. The clinical picture observed by the authors was preceded by infection with Leporipoxvirus myxoma , a member of the Leporipoxvirus genus. This virus strain belonging to the same phylogenetic group as the classic Lausanne, Cornwall, Sussex, and Munich strains previously described in rabbits.

According to our current knowledge, the prothorax of male spiders belonging to the genus Eresus is covered with black hairs. However, during our collection activities in Morocco, we found male specimens showing habitus that can be clearly distinguished from the previously known species based on their pars cephalica of prosoma covered with distinct red hairs. Diagnostic drawings and digital photographs of male copulatory organs, alongside DNA and COI barcoding results, are also presented.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of known bee viruses in the European hornet (Vespa crabro, Linnaeus, 1758), a species recognized as a bee predator in Hungary. Several viruses affecting honeybees (Apis mellifera, Linnaeus, 1758), such as deformed wing virus (DWV), sacbrood virus (SBV), chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), and acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), have been documented in various wasp species. For instance, DWV has been frequently isolated in Vespa orientalis (Linnaeus, 1761), and ABPV has been detected in V. orientalis. Additionally, viruses like Kashmir bee virus (KBV) and Black queen cell virus (BQCV) have been confirmed in other wasp species such as Vespula germanica and Vespa velutina. Despite this, data on virus presence in V. crabro remain limited. Between August and October 2023, we tested 40 adult V. crabro workers, collected from Kiskunlacháza and Vácduka, for viral infections using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Our results confirmed the presence of genetic material from DWV and ABPV infection in adult workers of the European hornet, which showed no morphological alterations. This study provides the first detection of DWV (in Hungary) and ABPV in V. crabro, contributing to our understanding of virus transmission pathways in wasp species and their potential impact on bee populations.

Generally, birds are less sensitive to pyrethrins and pyrethroids compared to mammals; however, suspected permethrin toxicosis was fatal in seven mountain quails (Oreortyx pictus) treated with a permethrin-containing powder bath. Signs started appearing 3 days after the bath was placed in their enclosure and were non-specific with reduced activity and ruffled feathers. Unusually, the characteristic signs of permethrin poisoning were not observed, and infective causes of the birds’ clinical signs were ruled out. A histopathological evaluation, however, revealed the malfunctioning of the liver and kidneys; the liver appeared mottled and degenerated, while the kidneys were enlarged and marbled, showing signs of degeneration. Furthermore, characteristic changes were found in the hematological analysis. Specific therapy and antidotes to pyrethrin are not available; the treatment is only supportive, including hepatoprotective agents and vitamin therapy.