Species richness and biogeography of non-acarine arachnids in Namibia

Author: Griffin R.E.

Source: Biodiversity and Conservation, Volume 7, Number 4, 1998 , pp. 467-481(15)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

A total of 821 species, 296 genera, and 69 families of non-acarine arachnids (Araneae, Solifugae, Scorpiones, Pseudoscorpiones, Opiliones and Amblypygi) are presently known from Namibia. Patterns of spider, solifuge and scorpion species richness and endemism are summarized relative to the 14 major Namibian types of vegetation. Spiders are most speciose in the higher rainfall areas, solifuges in the dry areas, and scorpions in rocky areas. Namibia probably has the world's greatest diversity of solifuges. Many arachnids endemic to Namibia are associated with the Namib Desert sand dunes.

Keywords: arachnids; Namibia; endemicity; Namib Desert

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: National Museum of Namibia, P.O. Box 1203, Windhoek, Namibia

Publication date: 1998-01-01

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