Arachnogeographical comparison between West Palearctic and Afrotropical Areas

Abstract

Comparison is made between the Arachnofaunas of Western Palearctic (Europe, SW Asia and North Africa to 20oN) and Afrotropical (from 20oN to the line Zambezi – Kunene) areas. This border (actually transition zone) divides two Kingdoms – Holarctic and Paleotropic. What concerns Arachnida so far such comparison has never been made (for all the orders). Outlined are the endemic taxa and it is clear that the difference is due mostly to climatic difference (for the warm preferring groups like Schizomida, Amblypygi, Solifugae, Scorpiones, Ricinulei). Some groups in tropical Africa are relict (suborder Paleoamblypygi). In the Western Palearctic such groups (endemic and relics) are the scorpions of the genera Belisarius and Akrav (with Southamerican affinities). In our time the vast deserts like Sahara and the Arabian desert are a very important barrier for many groups.