Classification and biogeography of neotropical true bugs

Abstract

A review of Heteroptera classification, biogeography, and phylogeography is presented. The use of molecular data significantly expanded the knowledge of phylogenetic relationships among and within heteropteran infraorders. However, taxa historically less studied continue to receive little attention. Promising, new molecular approaches with increased genetic markers and broader taxon sampling, as well as new morphological approaches (e.g., microtomography), are the future for more stable classifications and a better comprehension of the heteropteran evolutionary history, but their application is still incipient. A non-exhaustive overview of studies about Neotropical heteropteran biogeography is made and discussed, including those about intercontinental connections and regional distribution patterns. The most comprehensible studies, and more promising area, seem to be those focused on distribution patterns, especially employing macroecological methods, and trying to elucidate what are the major factors responsible for the distribution of the group in the Neotropics. Finally, we present an overview of phylogeographic studies involving Neotropical Heteroptera. It is clear that the best biogeographic and phylogeographic studied groups are those with medical and economical importance (e.g., Reduviidae and Pentatomidae).