Distribution, richness, and abundance of Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea)in the Loxicha Region, Oaxaca, Mexico: A regional analysis on the Pacific slope
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15517/61cmxq06Keywords:
elevational gradient; Eumaeini; phenology; Sierra Madre del SurAbstract
Introduction: The Sierra Madre del Sur in Mexico, known for its geological complexity and elevational gradient, hosts diverse ecosystems. The Loxicha region in Oaxaca, with five vegetation types and a 2 500 m elevation range, has the richest documented butterfly fauna on the Pacific slope. This study focuses on Lycaenidae butterflies, exploring their distribution, richness, and abundance along vegetation and elevational transects. Objective: To document geographic, elevational, and ecological patterns of Lycaenidae butterflies on the Pacific slope Loxicha region as part of a larger project on the distribution of diurnal butterflies in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Also, to compare Loxicha fauna with other regions to recognize biogeographical patterns at a larger scale. Methods: Spatial and temporal patterns of Lycaenidae diversity are based on systematic sampling conducted between 2005 and 2014 along elevational (80 to 2 500 m) and vegetational transects. Exclusive and characteristic species for each elevation and vegetation type are recognized. Results: A total of 123 species of Lycaenidae were recorded: nine species of Polyommatinae and 114 of Theclinae. The highest species richness occurs in May in tropical semi-deciduous forest. It decreases with increasing elevation. The results are compared with four other butterfly families. Lycaenid community similarity in the Sierra Madre del Sur and Pacific slope is correlated with elevation and vegetation type, though variability within each grouping is significant. Higher elevation faunal isolation also plays a role, as seen in other mountainous Papilionoidea taxa. Conclusions: Lycaenidae is one of the most diverse and least known butterfly families in Mexico. This is the fourth study on the Loxicha Region's lepidopteran fauna, confirming its high diversity among five Papilionoidea families. Systematic studies aid in understanding speciation and endemism, particularly for stenotopic species. The distribution of Lycaenidae in the Loxicha region is the most comprehensive to date for any region in Mexico.
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