Kamchatka crab duplex-specific nuclease (Par_DSN) has been classified as a member of the family of DNA/RNA non-specific beta-beta-alpha metal finger (bba-Me-finger) nucleases, the archetype of which is the nuclease from Serratia marcescens. Although the enzyme under investigation seems to belong to the family of S. marcescens nucleases, Par_DSN exhibits a marked preference for double-stranded DNA as a substrate and this property is unusual for other members of this family. We have searched other Arthropod species and identified a number of novel Par_DSN homologs. A phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that the Par_DSN-like enzymes constitute a separate branch in the evolutionary tree of bba-Me-finger nucleases. Combining sequence analysis and site-directed mutagenesis, we found that Par_DSN and its homologs possess the nuclease domain that is slightly longer than that of classic Serratia relatives. The active site composition of Par_DSN is similar but not identical to that of classic Serratia nucleases. Based on these findings, we proposed a new classification of Par_DSN-like nucleases. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.