Ammotrechella
Roewer, 1934
Ammotrechella is a of curve-faced solifugids (camel ) in the Ammotrechidae, established by Carl Friedrich Roewer in 1934. The genus contains approximately 15-18 described distributed across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of North and South America. Several species show transoceanic distributions, with some occurring on both sides of the Atlantic. One species, A. manggi, has been studied in Colombian mangrove .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ammotrechella: //ˌæmoʊtrəˈkɛlə//
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Identification
Members of Ammotrechella are distinguished from other ammotrechid by features of the curve-faced characteristic of the . Specific diagnostic characters for the genus include modifications of the and , though precise identification to level requires examination of and reference to original descriptions.
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Habitat
within this occupy diverse tropical and subtropical . A. manggi has been documented in mangrove forest fragments, where individuals were found on fallen trees and trunks at heights of 0.5–2.7 meters in floodable areas and on sandbars. The genus shows to varying humidity levels and to coastal .
Distribution
The has a disjunct distribution spanning the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bonaire, Curaçao, Guadeloupe, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos Islands), Central America (Panama), North America (Mexico, Florida, Texas, California), and northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador). Notably, A. geniculata occurs on both sides of the Atlantic (Cape Verde and the Caribbean/Americas), and A. diaspora is restricted to Cape Verde.
Ecological Role
In mangrove , A. manggi occupies microhabitats provided by fallen trees and decomposed wood, suggesting a role in detrital . The occurrence and abundance of in these has been observed to correlate with precipitation, height, and bark humidity.
Similar Taxa
- AmmotrechaAnother in Ammotrechidae; Ammotrechella is distinguished by its Caribbean- distribution pattern and specific cheliceral
- BranchiaCaribbean ammotrechid ; Ammotrechella typically show broader geographic ranges including continental areas
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Roewer in 1934. have been described by multiple arachnologists including Muma, Mello-Leitão, Chamberlin, and Armas. The World Solifugae Catalog currently recognizes 15 species, though some sources cite approximately 18 described species.
Biogeographic patterns
The exhibits several notable distribution patterns: transoceanic disjunction in A. geniculata (Cape Verde and Americas), island (A. apejii in Jamaica, A. bahamica in Bahamas), and continental penetration (A. setulosa in Texas, A. stimpsoni in Florida and Mexico).