New Data on the Taxonomy, Ecology and Distribution of Galeodes graecus C. L. Koch, 1842 (Arachnida: Solifugae: Galeodidae)

The camel-spider Galeodes graecus C. L. Koch, 1842, is poorly known and still insufficiently studied in taxonomic, faunistic and ecological aspects. This study represents 59 new records of this species from Bulgaria (57) and North Macedonia (2). The taxonomic characters distinguishing this species from its most similar congeners are discussed and illustrated by digital photographs and drawings. On the basis of 41 observations, the species is active between 4th June and 31th August and mainly between 20:30 h and 1:00 h. A critical review of the geographical distribution of G. graecus is presented. The confirmed geographical distribution of the species includes Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece (incliding islands), North Macedonia and Turkey. The previously published records from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Italy, Israel, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Tunisia are considered doubtful.