Areas of endemism and sampling bias of Pentatomidae (Heteroptera) in the Americas

Abstract

Areas of endemism are focal points for conservation, because they are comprised of taxa with restricted distributions. Here, we aim to evaluate areas of endemism and sampling biases of Pentatomidae (Heteroptera) in the Americas and their implications for conservation purposes, based on 4733 locality records of 594 species and 81 genera. We employed the Endemicity Analyses to recognize areas of endemism and evaluated the influence of sampling bias on distributional records. Densely populated areas were recovered as the major sampling biasing factors. A large sampling gap was identified in the Amazon, but better coverage of distributional records in the area allowed the recognition of endemic areas in this biome, showing the relevance of updated databases to reduce the Wallacean shortfall. The Panamanian Isthmus and the Atlantic Forest are discussed as endemic focal points, as these areas are under high anthropic pressure and are large endemism centers. The understanding of areas concentrating species of congruent restricted distributions, coupled with the understanding of distributional data limitations, may prove relevant for further insect conservation assessment, as species might be vulnerable to biodiversity loss, and better data on their distribution would be useful for further conservation strategies. Implications for insect conservation We recognized areas of high endemicity, which are relevant for the conservation of Pentatomidae, such as the Panamanian Isthmus and the Atlantic Forest. We also identified areas of considerable sampling bias that can serve as a basis for future efforts to mitigate a Wallacean shortfall and enable new studies that elucidate biogeographic patterns.