Global Survey and Inventory of Solifugae
Outreach Activities

INTRODUCTION

The Global Survey and Inventory of Solifugae, funded by the Biodiversity Surveys and Inventories program of the U.S. National Science Foundation (Grants 0640219 and 0640245) brings together an international team of researchers in an effort to stimulate new research, correct deficient trends evident in past research, and improve our knowledge of these poorly known arachnids.  The aims of this project are as follows:

• Fieldwork will be conducted in 13 countries in four regions of greatest known diversity to discover new species, document distributions, and gather fresh material for morphological, anatomical, behavioral and genetic studies;

• The higher classification will be revised based on phylogenetic analysis;

• Monographs on large monophyletic groups (at least three family-scale revisions) will be published;

• Rigorous standards and modern techniques will be employed in research;

• Collaborations will be forged among specialists currently working largely in isolation, with resources provided to expand their research;

• New experts will be trained in traditional techniques as well as modern concepts and methods;

• Results will be disseminated to the public via the internet. This project to resuscitate solifuge research, coordinated in North America but involving the world’s solifuge specialists and arachnologists interested in diverse aspects of solifuge research in more than 17 countries, will invigorate solifuge research worldwide. 

Follow the links on the left of this page ("Project Aims", "Personnel" and "Outreach Activities") for more detailed information about this exciting project.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Acquisition of samples from a broad array of taxa is important to the success of this project. We would therefore greatly welcome and appreciate the assistance from others in the scientific community in acquiring legally collected solifuge specimens, particularly if they are suitable for DNA extraction, and would be more than happy to identify such material. Guidance on collecting, preserving, and shipping solifuges is available through the "Collecting Techniques" and Preservation Techniques" links on the left of this page, as is contact information for the members of our research team ("Personnel" and "Present Researchers").   We would also welcome suggestions and content contributions for the website.