Professor Catherine Sole

Professor Catherine Sole's research is driven by the power of molecular techniques in testing evolutionary processes at various levels: population, species and higher taxa with special focus on invertebrates. She aims to find common evolutionary patterns in different taxa that reflect landscape and phylogenetic changes; and linking them to climatic, biogeographic and geological changes.

She is affiliated with the University of Pretoria Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) to which she contributes entomological capacity and expertise.


Research by Professor Catherine Sole

  • Gallery

    Trapdoor spiders

    The aim of the Karoo BioGap study was to better understand the interconnected ecosystems and sensitive habitats of the notoriously under-surveyed arid region. The endeavour led to the description of various new species of trapdoor spiders. Have a look at some pictures from the field here.

  • Story

    The Great Karoo – a refuge for the trapdoor spider

    The Karoo stretches 400 000 square kilometres over the provinces of the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape. Its vast, open semi-desert landscapes offer a sense of escapism and nothingness, guaranteeing peace and tranquillity for anyone who visits.

  • Gallery

    The Great Karoo – a refuge for the trapdoor spider

    The Karoo stretches 400 000 square kilometres over the provinces of the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape. Its vast, open semi-desert landscapes offer a sense of escapism and nothingness, guaranteeing peace and tranquillity for anyone who visits.

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