Key features of the Solifugid Families

Key features of families:

Ceromidae Whipromans (3 genera, 8 spp)

• leg IV tarsus: 2 segments; leg I with pretarsus and 2 claws;
• flagellum: rotates, chitinous, whip-like;
• nocturnal;

Daesiidae Membraneromans (4 genera, 54 spp)

• leg IV tarsus: 1 segment; leg I with no claw;
• flagellum: membranous;
• pedipalps dark and banded;

Gylippidae Slenderromans (1 genus, 2 spp)

• leg IV tarsus: 1 segment; legs long and slender;
• flagellum: inconspicuous hair;

Hexisopodidae Moleromans (2 genera, 6 spp)*endemic

• short, robust legs; burrowing;
• flagellum: rotates, long;
• cephalothorax without tergites;
• jaws with reduced teeth;

Melanoblossiidae Blackromans (2 genera, 6 spp)

• leg IV tarsus: 1-2 segments, legs I-III: 1 segment;
• flagellum: inconspicuous hair;
• diurnal;
• jaws with 0 or >4 teeth in lower jaw; teeth: small, evenly spaced;
• operculum in female same as other sternites (lower shields);

Solpugidae Common Romans (7 genera, 72 spp)

• leg IV tarsus: 6-7 segments; legs long and slender;
• flagellum: chitinous, whip-like;
• diurnal and nocturnal.

Source: Goggo Guide: the arthropods of southern Africa. E. Holm & A. Dippenaar-Schoeman 2010 Lapa. Chapter 11.

Posted on May 24, 2022 02:38 PM by tonyrebelo