Solifugae, the sixth most diverse order of arachnids, are dominant predators in arid ecosystems on all major terrestrial landmasses except Antarctica, Australia, Madagascar and New Zealand. Despite their diversity, worldwide distribution, ecological importance, and remarkable morphology, behavior and life history, research on these fascinating arachnids has advanced little in 50 years. Many aspects of their biology remain unknown, fewer than ten researchers worldwide are presently studying any aspect of their biology, and publications on the group average only five per year. Given the paucity of active specialists, the situation will not improve until more are trained. Research is further hindered by a limited application of modern concepts and methods. This project will reverse these negative trends and stimulate research on Solifugae by (1) conducting fieldwork in four regions of greatest solifuge diversity to discover new species, document distributions, and gather fresh material for morphological, anatomical, behavioral and genetic studies; (2) revising the higher classification based on phylogenetic analysis; (3) publishing monographs on large monophyletic groups (three family-scale revisions); (4) setting rigorous standards for research, where modern techniques become de riguer; (5) forging collaborations among specialists currently working mostly in isolation, and providing resources to expand their research; (6) training new experts in traditional techniques and modern concepts and methods; (7) disseminating results to the public via the internet. This project to resuscitate solifuge research, coordinated in North America but involving most of the world’s solifuge specialists and arachnologists interested in Solifugae, will invigorate solifuge research worldwide.
www.solpugid.com
