A scientist's guide to Solifugae: How solifuges could advance research in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior

Abstract

Despite having more than 1,200 described species in the Order Solifugae, and despite their near worldwide distribution and prevalence in many xeric ecosystems, relative to many other arachnid groups, we know little about the natural history and behavior of solifuges (camel spider, sun spiders, sun scorpions, etc.). In an attempt to encourage new solifuge-focused research, we review the current literature through the lens of conceptual thematic research areas in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. Specifically, we propose ways in which solifuges can contribute to research in the following subfields. (I) Ecology: Community and Trophic Dynamics; Connecting Food Webs; Habitat Specialization; and Biodiversity and Conservation. (II) Evolution: Speciation and Diversification; Activity Cycles and Associated Traits; Adaptations for Speed; and Living in Extreme Environments. (III) Behavior and Sensory Systems: Quiescence, Sleep, and Diapause; Sensory Systems and Sensory Ecology; Learning and Cognition; and Mating Systems, Sexual Selection and Sexual Conflict. Our goals are to recruit scientists from beyond arachnology to study solifuges and to provide a resource for the next generation of scientists. This resource can provide a starting point for identifying research programs that will simultaneously contribute basic natural history information about this understudied group and contribute to a broader understanding of fundamental concepts and theories across the Life Sciences. We hope that scientists will take this review as a challenge to develop creative ways of overcoming current obstacles associated with studying solifuges, towards the ultimate goal of leveraging their unique features to advance scientific knowledge and understanding.