Comparative Overview of the Morphology
of the Circulatory System in Solifugae

Christian Wirkner and Stefan Richter

         Universitaet Rostock
         Allgemeine & Spezielle Zoologie
         Institut fuer Biowissenschaften
         Universitaetsplatz 2
         18055 Rostock, Germany

Wirkner: http://www.biologie.uni-rostock.de/zoologie/wirkner.htm
   Richter:  http://www.biologie.uni-rostock.de/zoologie/richter.htm     
 

Christian Wirkner

Circulatory systems within arthropods are highly diverse and feature major differences between the taxa.  Being part of a comparative survey on the morphology of the circulatory systems in all major arthropod groups, the aim of this project is to obtain a comparative overview over the morphology of the circulatory system in Solifugae.  This will be achieved by the application of a number of complementary methods. These methods will include standard methods such as histological sectioning, corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy.  Analyses of the data will be carried out using micro-computer tomography and computerized 3D reconstruction.

Live material is essential for the application of the corrosion casting method.  Live animals should be sent to:

Dr. Christian Wirkner
Universität Rostock
Allgemeine & Spezielle Zoologie
Universitätsplatz 2
18055 Rostock
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)381 / 498 6273

StefanRichter

Fax:  +49 (0)381 / 498 6262
email: christian.wirkner@web.de

For histological work only, species smaller than 2 cm body length should be fixed and the legs cut off just before fixation.  Live specimens should be fixed using Bouin’s fluid.  This fixative can be obtained through any chemical supply company.

The protocol is:

Bouin's fluid - fixation time: one to a few days.
Saturated aqueous solution of picric acid – 15 parts
Formalin (~ 38% aqueous solution of formaldehyde) – 5 parts
Glacial acetic acid – 1 parts
Fixed tissue should be transferred to 70% alcohol.  

The saturated aqueous solution of picric acid should be held overnight before use.