Metasolpuga Explained

Metasolpuga is a genus of solifuge or sun spider.[1] The monotypic genus contains the species Metasolpuga picta which is native to Namibia.[2] It is one of several large, diurnal solifuge species that occur in the arid regions of southern Africa.[3]

Its habitat is interdune valleys of the Namib Desert. They are active when ground surface temperatures are between 40 and 61 °C. In experimental conditions they become lethargic at 20 ± 1 °C, and at 5 to 10 °C they become completely torpid.[3] During mid-winter it is believed to become lethargic in burrows for days or weeks. Egg depositing has been recorded during early spring and late summer.[3] Data suggests that male M. picta are short-lived and die after the mating season due to high energy demands and low food intake.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Solpuginae. BioLib.cz. 24 August 2018.
  2. Web site: Genus Metasolpuga . The Solifugae Website . 24 August 2018.
  3. Wharton . Robert A. . Biology of the diurnal Metasolpuga picta (Kraepelin) (Soligugae, Solpugidae) compared with that of nocturnal species . J. Arachnol. . 1987 . 14 . 363–383 . 11 November 2018.
  4. Wharton. Robert A.. 1986. Biology of the diurnal Metasolpuga picta (Kraepelin) (Solifugae, Solpugidae) compared with that of nocturnal species . The Journal of Arachnology. 14. 3. 363–383. 3705676. 0161-8202.