Researchers have uncovered intriguing patterns in the geographic distribution of several Neotropical species of the genus Polymerus across South America, shedding light on centers of endemism and possible dispersal routes that help explain the biogeography of these insects.
Dr. J.R. de Almeida
[https://x.com/dralmeidajr][in
Editora Priscila M. S. Gomes
The study focused on 11 species: P. amazonicus, P. aristae, P. caligatus, P. carpinteroi, P. chilensis, P. coccineus, P. ecuadorensis, P. minutus, P. modestus, P. ocellatus, and P. testaceipes. Their distributions were analyzed in relation to South America’s morphoclimatic regions defined by factors such as topography, climate, and soil and phytogeographic regions, which reflect vegetation and broader biogeographical domains.
Findings revealed that certain areas most notably the Amazon Basin serve as major centers of diversity for the genus, hosting species with either broad geographic ranges or highly restricted distributions. Other significant regions include coastal and mountainous forests, where climatic gradients and varied habitats support both ecologically flexible species and those with narrow, specialized niches.
The researchers also identified potential dispersal pathways connecting different regions, as well as zones of endemism areas where species occur exclusively and are not found elsewhere. These endemism hotspots may be associated with natural barriers such as mountain ranges, major rivers, or historical climatic shifts that constrained the expansion of some species while allowing others to adapt and spread.
The study carries important conservation implications: mapping biodiversity centers and endemism zones helps prioritize areas for research and protection, particularly in regions threatened by deforestation and land-use change. Moreover, linking species distributions with climate, vegetation, and geography provides valuable insights into how these insects may respond to future environmental change.
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