An Evaluation on the Last Ecdysis in Galeodids (Galeodidae, Solifugae, Arachnida)

Abstract

In this study, the observations on pre-ecdysis and post-ecdysis during the last ecdysis of Galeodes sp. were recorded. During the ecdysis, a strand-like structure, intracuticular fibre, occurs between the old cuticle and the new one. This intracuticular fibre consists of the tracheal tubes as well as the old cuticle pieces. Thanks to this structure, the solifuge continues its biological activities such as breathing, even at a minimum level, during the quiescence process of the ecdysis. Forming male cheliceral flagellum during the last ecdysis leads to accurate sex determination.