Genus Solonaima Kirkaldy
Solonaima solonaima Kirkaldy
Genus Solonaima Kirkaldy 1906: 396
Type species: Solonaima solonaima Kirkaldy 1906, by monotypy.
The genus Solonaima Kirkaldy is endemic to Queensland where nine species are epigean and the remaining six are cavernicolous, mainly in the lava flow caves near Chillagoe. The cavernicolous species show varying degrees of morphological adaptations for cave-dwelling life, the most extreme being S. baylissa which is eyeless, nearly wingless and colourless (Hoch & Howarth 1989). In all species, however, the pedicels of the antennae are elongated.
Hoch (1988) provided a key for the separation of seven epigean species of the genus while Hoch & Howarth (1989) provided a key for the separation of eight species of the genus which did not include the five species described as new by Hoch (1988).