Ultrastructure of Solifugae (Arachnida) - comparative studies of organ systems with special focus on functional analyses and phylogenetic interpretations

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Solifugae represent a meso-diverse order of Arachnida which occurs world wide in warm/hot regions except for Australia. They are usually described as a group representing a peculiar mixture of plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters. Cladograrns depicting relationships within Arachnida most often show Pseudoscorpiones as the sister group of Solifugae. However, this relationship is based on very few, poor or doubtful characters (mainly shape and insertion of chelicerae, rostrosoma). Regarding other characteristics both taxa are strikingly different. Our comparative studies of male genital systems of Solifugae, Pseudoscorpiones and Acari have revealed striking apomorphic similarities between Solifugae and actinotrichid mites. Recent molecular data are ambiguous. Thus, the suggested systematic position of Solifugae remains rather speculative. The main reason causing such uncertainty, vague or contradictory interpretations is certainly the poor knowledge on these arachnids. Hence, the present study intends to study Solifugae from different families with regard to ultrastructure including predominantly genital systems, alimentary organs including the mouthparts, respiratory systems, heart, excretory systems, and sensory structures taking also juvenile stages into account.