Ecology

Abstract

As in the case of life history parameters, detailed studies on the ecology of solifuges are scarce, and only a relatively few species have been investigted. This can be attributed to their short adult lifespans, secretive nature, nocturnal activity patterns, dispersion patterns, and relatively short periods of sporadic activity above ground. They do not fluoresce under ultraviolet (UV) light as do scorpions and are therefore more difficult to track at night. Common field methods used to locate and collect solifuges include the use of pitfall traps, walking over considerable distances and looking under decaying vegetation, rocks, and cow chips, and manually excavating burrows. All of these techniques are labor-intensive, time consuming, and often result in a failure to locate any solifuges.